Desmond Tutu - the role modal of moral authority

                             As of December 26 2021, Desmond Tutu is no longer with us. For most of the postwar era, he was the ultimate moral authority, regardless of any individual's religion.  

                During the Apartheid era, despite the risks of speaking out, he spoke honestly about the immoral nature of the South African legal system. As the Apartheid government had painted itself as religious, he was able to point out how they contradicted the principles for which they had claimed to have stood. Able to diffuse widespread popular fury with his sense of humour meant that he persuaded opponents of the regime to be morally superior and avoiding descending to their rock-bottom level.

Faultlessly honest, he had even previously confronted President Reagan regarding his policies towards the RSA. After Apartheid had been consigned to where it belonged, the bin, he had been instrumental in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Such was the bitterness that had smoldered for decades, he enabled a wide range of South Africans to see that the society of the RSA had been seriously damaged. Thereby, widespread recognition followed of how the country should develop. The oppresses as well as the oppressed gained the ability reflect about themselves and how they could do things on a personal level to heal and improve the nation.

Once the formidable TRC had finished, he still spoke out when he noticed something that was falling short of proper behaviour and was morally lacking. Government corruption, inequality and general violence never escaped his attention. He understood human nature and even though there is much that is negative about human nature, it is paramount to bring it to the attention of as many as possible. This mindset should become as widespread as possible, so that those who misbehave do not use the Bible, the Qur’an or the Torah as flags of convenience.   

Location: Calgary, AB, Canada

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