Kaffir Boy and Cry Freedom Extra Credit Essay – 30 points
After enduring apartheid for all of his childhood, Mark Mathabane follows his destiny and decides to
leave for “The Promised Land” at the end of his adolescence in South Africa.
In the movie, Cry Freedom, Donald Woods lived a privileged life as a newspaper editor, but was willing
to risk everything to tell Steve Biko’s story—so that Biko didn’t die in vain. He uprooted his wife and five
children from their home and their country for a black man.
These are two very different men escaping South Africa for different reasons, but how are they similar?
One man wants a better life for himself while the other leaves the good life to expose corruption. What
difference did they make? Was their sacrifice worth it?
In a multi-paragraph essay, Please discuss the following:
-Mark’s ambivalence about leaving behind his family and native country.
-Your opinion about Mark “escaping’ and leaving his country for the white world.
-Donald Wood’s decision to write a book that couldn’t be published in South Africa, resulting in having
to escape with his family.
-Your opinion about the sacrifice Donald Woods made on behalf of Steve Biko.
Make sure to create a cohesive thesis statement that explains both men’s decision and your own
viewpoint on their decision. A successful paper will weave character and personal perspective while
using supporting evidence from the text and film. A MINIMUM of 2 quotes from the text and 2
references from the film must be used.
This paper is due typed, MLA format, February 21st.