So, Nelson Mandela, Where Does Culture Take You?

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You know that party game – the one where you name the person you’d most like to meet, if you could?

Hands down my first choice would be Nelson Mandela.

Lawyer. Freedom fighter. Political prisoner. Peacemaker. President.

The man’s pretty much done it all.

And he’s done it with courage, grace and dignity.

Which is why Mandela, or “Madiba”, as he is affectionately known in South Africa, is the perfect person to launch a new series called “Where Does Culture Take You?” where we’ll feature people whose careers and lives bring them in contact with diverse cultures on a regular basis.

And what better day to launch the series than today, July 18, Mandela’s 93rd birthday, and the second annual Nelson Mandela Day?

Why Mandela?

Because, after more than two decades as a political prisoner, he forgave his adversaries and helped his country through a peaceful transition.

Because, when it comes to communicating across, and in spite of differences, he really “gets it”. He even learned Afrikaans, the language of the prison guards, because, as he said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”

Because today, in his 90th decade, Mandela’s still out there, inspiring people all over the world to be agents of change and forces for good.

In 2009 the United Nations declared July 18 “Nelson Mandela International Day”.

To commemorate, the Nelson Mandela Foundation encourages people to perform 67 minutes of public service on Mandela Day – one minute for every year of Nelson Mandela’s own service to humanity.

You can get ideas for celebrating Mandela Day or you can come up with your own service ideas.

So, what are you going to do to today to celebrate Mandela Day? I’d love to hear so let me know in the comments below.

In “Where Does Culture Take You?” we’ll feature someone whose job, career or life’s calling involves interacting with people from diverse cultures on a regular basis. It might be the woman who teaches English as a Second Language to kids at your local school. Or the neighbor down the street who owns a fair trade import company. Or it might even be you! Each month I’ll interview someone about what they do, how they came to this career, and what they’ve learned about culture and cross-cultural communication along the way. Want to suggest someone or have a question? Let me know in the comments box below.

Justine Ickes August 3, 2011: What a great idea, Jen, about dedicating a day to celebrate women change agents. We have International Women’s Day, of course, but that’s not what you’re getting at, I realize. I’m going to do some research and see if what women are honored around the world. In the meantime, I came across a review of Extraordinary Women of the Muslim World which looks interesting. Here’s the link: http://outreachworld.org/

Jen Henderson July 19, 2011: Hi Justine,

Great idea to feature someone like this. I like it.

Hadn’t thought about celebrating this day before, but I guess it would be like celebrating MLK Day here in the states–and with good reason. He’s truly an inspirational and transformational life.

I do wish we’d come up with a day that celebrates women philanthropists, humanitarians, world changers, too. How about a Jane Goodall Day or Rosa Parks Day?

Best,
Jen