How to appreciate a jewel


Nelson Mandela and Blood Diamonds

With the impending release of the movie– legal – diamond industry.
The Blood Diamond in 2007, it isMany people, even those who admire and
inevitable that different sectors arerespect everything Nelson Mandela stands
feeling a little bit uneasy aboutfor, are now feeling rather skeptical
possible repercussions. Having a bigabout this move. Many are wondering
Hollywood star Leonardo di Caprio in itswhether the former Nobel Peace Prize
lead role, the movie is set to make bigwinner is now selling out. Perhaps, they
waves all around the world. Prior tosay, the glitter of diamonds was too
this movie, the general public’shard to resist.
exposure to blood diamonds is at bestLooking into the past might shed some
limited. Songs have been sung andlight on Nelson Mandela’s actions,
references in other movies have beenthough. Even way back in the 1990s,
made. However, this seems to be theNelson Mandela was already a staunch
widest scale exposure yet.supporter of the legal diamond industry.
Understandably, some members of theHe recognized the importance of this
international diamond trade are waryindustry to the African economy and he
about the possible effects of the movie.was not shy to point that out. He has
An interesting development in this areabeen quoted many times as saying
is the entrance of Nobel Peace Prize“Rather than boycotts being
Winner and former South Africaninstituted, it is preferable that
President Nelson Mandela. Mr. Mandela isthrough our own initiative the industry
a well-known and highly respected figuretakes a progressive stance on human
all over the world. His post-apartheidrights issues.” That is why he was
policies and activities have gained hima key player in the Kimberly Process.
the respect of people from differentJust because Nelson Mandela is acting as
countries and races.a spokesperson doesn’t mean that
Thus it came as a bit of a surprise tohe is selling out. Another key point: he
some sectors when news came out thatis not receiving any money for his
Nelson Mandela is going to act as a sortservices. Of course, there are many
of spokesperson for DeBeers, an icon inthings that we, the public, may not
the diamond industry. Critics were quickknow. Though the legitimate diamond
to call him as the new poster boy of theindustry does contribute a lot to the
diamond industry. What exactly willAfrican economy, we also know that in
Nelson Mandela’s role be? He isthis present day and age, there could
supposed to clarify the differencestill be blood diamonds mining going on.
between what is to be depicted in theOrganizations such as Amnesty
movie and the reality of life in presentInternational are quick to point that
day Africa. Supposedly, he will beout. Perhaps a more moderate statement
asserting that blood diamonds no longerwould placate critics. Then again,
exist, or at least are no longer inNelson Mandela was never one to back
circulation. In effect, he will bedown just to pacify his critics.
showing his full support to the existing



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