Legendary World Figure:Nelson Mandela (Essay Sample)

Nelson Mandela
Work Sample
21st November, 2013
Nelson Mandela
When one thinks of the most famous people in the world, Nelson Mandela's name always tends to come up. In my opinion, being popular means that the person depicts virtues of love, honesty, dedication and peace in everything that one does for the whole world to appreciate. Nelson ‘Madiba' Mandela has shown all these characteristics. In fact, he is recognized as a major inspirational and political figure all over world. Born on the 18th of July, 1918, he rose to become a leading lawyer, politician, as well as a role model to masses of people all around the world (Mandela, 1993).
As a member of the Xhosa Thembu royal family, Nelson Mandela became a household name within the South African community. This was due to the vast intelligence and knowledge that he possesses. He studied Law and became one the first African lawyers in the country at that time (Mandela, 1993). He was also among the founders of the Youth League, which he formed right after he joined the ANC. He, therefore, joined the anti-colonial campaigns and was repeatedly arrested for his direct criticism of racial oppression, as well as his philosophy of equality among all races. His vibrant character gained him popularity and fame among the Black people not only in South Africa, but also all over Africa (Brown, 2006).
Despite his growing popularity at the time, Nelson Mandela was arrested and accused of treason. He was arrested in 1962 for sabotage. Mandela, amidst great controversy, was sentenced to prison for life. This sentence seemed extremely harsh and it drew attention from all over the world. Many political analysts consider this sentence as the main reason behind Nelson Mandela's fame (Degnan-Veness, 2001). This could be so owing to the fact that the world protested and pressured the South African apartheid government to release him (Magoon, 2008).