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HOW DID STEVE BIKO AND THE PHILOSOPHY OF BLACK CONSCIOUSNESS INFLUENCE THE STUDENT UPRISING OF 1976? Use Sources 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D to answer the following questions - NSC History - Question 1 - 2016 - Paper 2
Question 1
HOW DID STEVE BIKO AND THE PHILOSOPHY OF BLACK CONSCIOUSNESS INFLUENCE THE STUDENT UPRISING OF 1976? Use Sources 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D to answer the following questions... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:HOW DID STEVE BIKO AND THE PHILOSOPHY OF BLACK CONSCIOUSNESS INFLUENCE THE STUDENT UPRISING OF 1976? Use Sources 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D to answer the following questions - NSC History - Question 1 - 2016 - Paper 2
Step 1
According to Biko, identify any THREE reasons why it was necessary for ‘the black man’ to change?
Answer
- The black man had become a shell of his former self, completely defeated and lost in his own misery.
- He was viewed as a slave, under the oppressive yoke of apartheid, continually subjected to dehumanization.
- Biko emphasized that black people were solely responsible for their own change, as they alone could reclaim their dignity and 'personality'.
Step 2
List any THREE ideas that Biko considered as the first step which must be taken in order for black people to regain their ‘personality’.
Answer
- Inflate pride in their identity and remove internalized oppression.
- Recognize and confront the situation by self-reflection and awareness of their realities.
- Move away from dependence on white authority and seek unity among black communities for collective action.
Step 3
What do you understand by the concept ‘Black Consciousness’?
Answer
Black Consciousness is a movement aimed at empowering black individuals by encouraging them to recognize their worth and dignity. It emphasizes the psychological liberation from oppression, fostering pride in their identity, and promoting a collective struggle against injustices faced by black people under apartheid.
Step 4
In your own words, explain why Biko believed that black solidarity was so important in the struggle against oppression.
Answer
Biko believed that black solidarity was essential as it created a united front against the oppressive regime. When black people came together, they could share their struggles and strengths, fostering a sense of community. This solidarity would amplify their voices and demands for change, making it harder for the authorities to suppress their collective actions.
Step 5
Why did the African Student Movement (ASM) change its name to the South African Student Movement (SASM)?
Answer
The ASM changed its name to emphasize a broader and more inclusive representation of all students in South Africa. This change indicated a shift towards unifying all experiences and struggles faced by students under apartheid, aiming to create a more robust platform for activism.
Step 6
Explain the strategies used by SASM leadership to build support among school students during the mid-1970s.
Answer
SASM leaders organized meetings at schools to discuss political issues, encouraging students to become actively involved. They introduced consciousness-raising activities to promote pride in their identity and organized protests to mobilize student action around key issues affecting their communities, thus fostering a sense of agency among students.
Step 7
What evidence is there to support the claim that school students in Soweto were already ‘highly politicised and militant’ by the end of 1974?
Answer
The participation of students in organized protests and their involvement in meetings discussing political matters demonstrate a high level of political awareness. Reports of students challenging authorities and speaking out against injustices further indicate their growing militancy and readiness to engage in activism.
Step 8
Evaluate the usefulness of Source 1B for a historian researching the influence of the philosophy of Black Consciousness on the student uprising of 1976.
Answer
Source 1B is useful as it provides firsthand accounts of the organization and mobilization of students under SASM, illustrating the implementation of Black Consciousness philosophy. However, it has limitations, such as potential bias from the contributors and the lack of comprehensive data on all student groups involved in the uprising.
Step 9
List any TWO pieces of evidence which support the claim that there was a ‘new militancy’ amongst school students in the mid-1970s.
Answer
- The increased participation of students in protests indicates a shift towards active resistance against oppressive policies.
- The formation of student organizations that focused explicitly on political engagement signified a radical change in their approach to activism.
Step 10
Why do you think that the 1976 uprising continued even when the Minister agreed to give the impression that African learners be taught in Afrikaans?
Answer
Students perceived the concessions as inadequate and merely a tactic to suppress their demands. The deep-rooted frustrations regarding the broader system of oppression fueled their determination to continue the struggle, demonstrating their commitment to achieving genuine change.
Step 11
Use the evidence in the source and your own knowledge to explain why students in the ‘coloured townships’ in Cape Town joined the uprising of 1976.
Answer
Students in the coloured townships shared similar grievances regarding education and political representation. The alignment of their struggles with those of the black students in Soweto encouraged their participation, as they recognized the collective strength in challenging oppressive systems together.
Step 12
Why do you think this photograph was titled ‘The young lions of Soweto’? Use visual clues to support your answer.
Answer
The title ‘The young lions of Soweto’ suggests strength, courage, and a fighting spirit among the youth. Visual clues in the photograph, such as determined expressions and assertive postures of the students, indicate their readiness to confront oppression head-on.
Step 13
Use the information in the relevant sources and your own knowledge, write a paragraph of about EIGHT lines (about 80 words) in response to the influence of Black Consciousness on the student uprising of 1976.
Answer
Black Consciousness was pivotal in the awakening of student activism during the 1976 uprising. It instilled a sense of pride and identity among black students, encouraging them to challenge the oppressive apartheid regime. The philosophy emphasized collective action, which united students across different demographics. Through their newfound awareness and solidarity, students mobilized against inequality, leading to significant protests, particularly in Soweto. This movement not only shaped the uprising but also inspired future generations to fight for freedom and equality.