U.S. and South Africa: Historical Similarities

As a student of world affairs, I find the historical similarities between South Africa and our own country not only striking, but also indicative of a different light from that in which the policies of the two countries are usually viewed.

European colonialism was responsible for the development if not the actual birth of both countries, and though we may envision with admiration Pilgrims seeking religious freedom, laborers crossing the Atlantic searching for better lives, and opportunists endeavoring to reap profits and build empires, we shouldn’t forget there was a price to be paid by the native inhabitants for the bold actions of the colonists.

For colonialism is synonymous with conquest; and it is a euphemism that means the taking away of lands and resources from people who usually have darker skins and different customs and beliefs than ourselves.

Unfortunately, I haven’t heard any historical facts strong enough to repudiate my belief that our country’s land was acquired from the Indians by means that were seldom anything less than theft perpetrated on a vast scale.

The notion that the Indians’ civilization was inferior, hence justifying white settlement, is both subjective and irrelevant. There is no denying the fact that it was their land, and we took it from them. And judging from the number of Americans rushing forth to hand it back, we intend to keep it. If such is our choice, let’s not compound the thievery and bloodshed of our past with hypocrisy in our present. Though it is tempting to sound the call in denunciation of apartheid, it is a sanctimonious and ironically ignorant call.

BILL EREM

Los Angeles