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Animal Quote by Oliver Tambo

“You were not wanted. You were, at best, tolerated. You had to be constantly on your guard, like an animal in a jungle full of beasts of prey. You experienced it all within the short distance of five miles from the gates of St. Peter's to Park Station in the city.” quote by Oliver Tambo
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“You were not wanted. You were, at best, tolerated. You had to be constantly on your guard, like an animal in a jungle full of beasts of prey. You experienced it all within the short distance of five miles from the gates of St. Peter's to Park Station in the city.”

Oliver Tambo

About This Quote

Source Speech: Anti-Apartheid Address, 1970s (approx.)

Living under constant threat creates hypervigilance and a feeling of being merely tolerated.

In simple terms: Constant fear leads to hyper‑alertness and feeling unwanted.

Key Takeaway

Seek safe, supportive environments.

Themes

oppression survival identity

Mood

somber reflective

Type

personal historical

When to use this quote

  • urban neighborhoods
  • refugee camps
  • high‑risk workplaces

Key Concepts

social psychology trauma resilience

Questions to Reflect On

  • What support can reduce hypervigilance?
  • How can communities foster belonging?
A Different Perspective

Safety can be hard to find in hostile settings.

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