Chapter Three, In the Fullness of Time Summary and Analysis

As Tutu argued in the previous chapter, dehumanization is reciprocal where it hurts the oppressor as well. To forgive is thus in one's self-interest. This chapter discusses how forgiveness comes about in South Africa. Tutu discusses many factors. First, it may simply have been "the right time" given how many factors come together at one time. Communism has fallen apart so the red-baiting of the anti-apartheid forces engaged in by the apartheid government is no longer effective. Prime Minister F. W. de Klerk takes over and rescinds the ban of reform organizations like the ANC. Tutu maintains that without this move there surely would have been a bloodbath. De Klerk convinced the white population that reconciliation is in their own interests.

Of course, Mandela is a dramatic historical force...