Critique of Transformational Leadership - 1754 Words

PAPER: Journal Article | Arnold, K.A. and Loughlin, C. (2010) Individually considerate transformational leadership behavior and self sacrifice. Leadership amp; Organization Development Journal, 31(8) pp.670-686 | UNDERSTANDING OF THIS PAPER AIM/PURPOSE OF THIS PAPER | The aim/purpose of this paper is:a) To investigate how and to which extent leaders engage in individually considerate transformational leadership behavior with focus on the developmental, supportive and self sacrificial aspects of this behavior. b) To investigate the degree of Developmental versus Supportive aspects of Individual Consideration as a major component of transformational leadership style. | METHODS USED IN THE RESEARCH Research Methodology used: |†¦show more content†¦* No form of real life scenario examples where provided in the literature review to give the readers a greater insight of what transformational leadership involves. * Individual consideration has been characterised as behavior that allows transformation to occur in this article. This has shown a dysfunction as it takes more than consideration but also involves influence and stimulation as seen in Mullins (2005). * Key authors who have contributed in one form of the order to this field of knowledge has been referred to however the one man who first brought about the Knowledge of transformational leadership James Burns (1978) wasn’t referred to. * The word Leaders was used interchangeably with managers in some instances. To the researchers do both terms mean the same? In actual fact leaders are different from managers. * Semi structured interviews used to gather data. This approach used is rather a subjective one because it is based on how the leaders understands issues that is what the leaders or key informants view as important in explaining. Secondly there is a tendency for the leaders to digress away from what is expected of them. * The research also display another form of subjectivity as the use of the semi structured approach depends on the skills of the interviewer in conducting theShow MoreRelatedCritique of Transformational Transactional Leadership1806 Words   |  8 Pagesï » ¿Critique of Transformational Leadership Transactional Leadership â€Å"Leadership without perspective and point of view isn’t leadership-and of course it must be your own perspective, your own point of view. You cannot borrow a point of view any more than you can borrow someone else’s eyes. It must be authentic, and if it is, it will be original, because you are original†. (Bennis, 1992, p.122) Introduction This paper assesses two popular leadership theories: Transformational Leadership TransactionalRead MoreCharacteristics Of A Transformational Leadership963 Words   |  4 PagesCharacteristics of Good Leadership Leadership comes in many facets. It is important to pick the right leadership depending on the situation. In this paper the key leadership that will be discussed is transformational leadership. Transformational leadership is a leadership style that has been adopted by a lot of individuals in the 21st Century. It is also a leadership style that leaders in the military have utilized to effectively train new Soldiers. Throughout this paper I will speak about theRead MoreManagers Emotional Intelligence Effect On Followers Performance1577 Words   |  7 Pagesemotional intelligence. There is too much over lap in the concepts brought by the models (Cherniss et al., 2006; Locke, 2005). They state that this makes it hard to understand what emotional intelligence is (Cherniss et al., 2006). Locke (2005), critiques the definition of emotional intelligence given by Mayer and Salovey, stating that emotional intelligence means â€Å"the ability to monitor one’s own and others’ feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them and to use this information† (p. 425).Read MoreThe Effects Of Leadership Characteristics On Pediatric Registered Nurses Job Satisfaction844 Words   |  4 PagesResearch Critique: Effects of Leadership Characteristics on Pediatric Registered Nurses’ Job Satisfaction Nursing job satisfaction continues to rank high as an area of concern for Nurse Executives. Dissatisfied nurses can lead to a decreased ability to recruit nurses and increased turnover (Ruggiero, 2005), leading to lower patient satisfaction. The costs of nursing turnover has been hard to measure and varies from study to study (Li Jones, 2013), however Brewer, et al. (2011) estimates $856Read MoreThe Core Elements Of Transformational Leadership1282 Words   |  6 Pages2 The core elements of transformational leadership Now that we’ve explored the concepts and contexts around transformational leadership, we can turn our attention to the core elements of the model. The key elements include Bass’ four transformational components and the test he developed for analysing your leadership style. Bass’ four components The core idea of Bass’ transformational theory focused on the ways a leader can change the organisational structures around him or her and to ensure theRead MoreTransformational Leadership And Guest Satisfaction Ratings Within The Hospitality Industry1101 Words   |  5 Pagessubject matter. Leadership in any industry has been an object of study for centuries. As the name implies, transformational leadership is a leadership style in which the leader attempts to better understand the goals of the followers and inspires a transformation geared towards achieving those goals. In the book Leadership: Theory and Practice, Northouse explains that transformational leadership is â€Å"An encompassing approach, [that] can be used to describe a wide range of leadership, from very specificRead MoreInfluence Of Transformational Leadership And Job Burnout On Child Protective Services Essay1029 Words   |  5 PagesFortunato, V. J. (2016). The Influence of Transformational Leadership and Job Burnout on Child Protective Services Case Managers Commitment and Intent to Quit. Journal Of Social Service Research, 42(3), 372-385. doi 10.1080/01488376.2015.1101047 Introduction According to Rittschof and Fortunato (2016), there has been little research conducted about the correlation between child protective service worker burnout rates and supportive supervisors and leadership personnel. The objective of this quantitativeRead MoreMalaysian Leadership Style and Employees Organizational Commitment 953 Words   |  4 PagesBibliographical Entry Lo, M.C., Ramayah, T., and Min, H.W., (2009). Leadership styles and organizational commitment: a test on Malaysia manufacturing industry. African Journal of Marketing Management, 1 (6), 133-139. Problem In Malaysia it was a common complaint that employees were no more loyal as they used to be in the passed. Employees would tend to leave their companies for slightly better pay due to low commitment. Hence, the biggest challenge for Malaysian organizations was to provoke aRead MoreThe Timeless Quality of the Foundations of Excellent Leadership1177 Words   |  5 PagesFoundations of Excellent Leadership Are Timeless Introduction It is often said that a manager is what one does and leader is who one is. This is especially the case during times of turbulent economic, social and political change. In the debate of whether the effectiveness of a leaders communication skills is dependent on their age or generation, one must take into account one of the most critical skills in any leaders skill set, and that is emotional intelligence (EI) (Avolio, Yammarino, 2002)Read MoreThe Transformational Leadership Model Of A Business Environment1426 Words   |  6 PagesThere are several different theories that can be applied to leadership. Hence, there are no right or wrong theories, purely just diverse perceptions. The trait theory of leadership believes that leaders are born and not made. This theory claims that leadership is inherited, and great leaders are born with natural leadership traits. Zaccaro, S. J. (2007) defines this as a â€Å"unique property of extraordinary individuals whose decisions are capable of someti mes radically changing the streams of history†[Pg6]

The Yellow Wallpaper, By Charlotte Gilman - 958 Words

The birth of a baby can generate a lot of powerful emotions. Emotions like excitement, joy, fear, and anxiety. It can also result in something you might not expect. In the early 1800’s postpartum depression was misdiagnosed by a physician and calling it â€Å"hysteria†. In this time period, physicians were only males so they were more dominant; and females were looked down upon. Postpartum depression is what a mother suffers from after giving birth. It is a combination of hormonal changes and psychological adjustment to motherhood. Mothers who develop postpartum depression are at greater risk of developing other major depressions later on in life, and have difficulty bonding with their babies. 100 years ago this wasn’t a diagnosis, it was very common and plenty of women went through it. â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† by Charlotte Gilman, talks about how the main character in the story was suffering from postpartum depression, schizophrenia and obsession. Thes e depressions led her to write this story to expose physician’s misdiagnoses and lack of understanding. Charlotte Perkins Gilman was born in 1860 in Hartford Connecticut, her childhood led to depression and her suicide. Her father abandoned the family when she was a child only leaving her mother and relative to help raise her. Her childhood and family situation was damaged by her father leaving and that helped her to learn and gain independence. She got married in 1884 and then she was diagnosed with depression. She was prescribedShow MoreRelatedThe Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Gilman1116 Words   |  5 PagesThe Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Gilman â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† written by Charlotte Gilman is a chilling portrayal of a woman’s downward spiral towards madness after undergoing treatment for postpartum depression in the 1800’s. The narrator, whose name remains nameless, represents the hundreds of middle to upper- class women who were diagnosed with â€Å"hysteria† and prescribed a â€Å"rest† treatment. Although Gilman’s story was a heroic attempt to â€Å"save people from being driven crazy† (GilmanRead MoreThe Yellow Wallpaper By Charlotte Gilman992 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"The yellow wallpaper† The Yellow Wallpaper is a story about women’s repression in the 19th century. This story shows an immense difference between men and women inside society. While the men are the one making the decisions and taking responsibility, women must accept their obligations. The protagonist is repressed and appear for the effect of the oppression of women in society. This effect is develop by the use of complex symbols such as, the room, the wallpaper, the window which facilitates herRead MoreThe Yellow Wallpaper, By Charlotte Gilman1381 Words   |  6 PagesThe Yellow Wallpaper, written by the famous Charlotte Perkins, is a captivating short story published in 1892 that presents the story from the perspective of the narrator. This story is quite fascinating and readers may easily view it from different perspectives. For example, some readers may interpret it as a medical critique while others may view it as feminist allegory. In this short story, Charlotte Gilman uses her personal exp eriences with pregnancy, especially the depression and anxiety thatRead MoreThe Yellow Wallpaper By Charlotte Gilman1574 Words   |  7 PagesThe yellow wallpaper by charlotte Gilman is about a woman who slowly descends into madness trying to please herself and have a voice even though she is a woman in a time that is is expected for her to obey her husband and be the wife he wants her to be. This short story took many years to be published, one publisher even wrote in a rejection letter to Gillman that stated â€Å"I could not forgive myself if I made others as miserable as I have made myself by reading this† (Stephens, 1997). The commentRead MoreThe Yellow Wallpaper, By Charlotte Gilman1542 Words   |  7 PagesThe short story, â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper†, written by Charlotte Gilman, presents as a feminist text written in protest to the treatment of women by a male dominated society. The story is told from the narrator’s perspective, a woman who’s na me we never learn. A woman suffering from post-natal-depression who is prescribed the remedy of the day, a course of treatment known as â€Å"rest cure†, in which the sufferer is confined to bed and not allowed to partake in the activities of daily life. This extendedRead MoreThe Yellow Wallpaper By Charlotte Gilman Essay1205 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† by Charlotte Gilman examines the negative effects of the â€Å"rest cure†, a common approach used in the nineteenth century to treat women suffering from severe nervous symptoms (Bassuk 245). The text not only condemns the callous, medical treatment that the narrator endures, but, it also addresses the misogynistic beliefs and the resulting gender inequalities that endorse the use of such treatments. This theme is made explicit in the narrator’s persistent attempts to escape theRead MoreThe Yellow Wallpaper, By Charlotte Gilman1582 Words   |  7 Pageshusbands want them to do, as we ll as what society wants them to do. Charlotte Gilman published The Yellow Wallpaper in 1892 and wrote this short story because she experienced the same confinement that the narrator did. The narrator s role in the family in the short story, The Yellow Wallpaper, represents the ideals and attitudes toward gender roles in the Victorian Era which will evolve into present-day ideas and roles. Gilman s use of confinement throughout the story provides context as to howRead MoreThe Yellow Wallpaper By Charlotte Gilman964 Words   |  4 Pageslearn from this experience. Reading scholarly articles was not easy at all. They were long and had many words I did not understand; it was actually the first time I had ever read scholarly articles. I choose the story â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† by Charlotte Gilman. The Yellow Wallpaper was a good story to write about because it was challenging and interesting. Writing a research paper could be challenging in so many level; it test your knowledge and skills. For example, having to fully understand theRead MoreThe Yellow Wallpaper By Charlotte Perkins Gilman1362 Words   |  6 Pagesas freaks. In the short story â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, both of these elements are present. Gilman did a wonderful job portraying how women are not taken seriously and how lightly mental illnesses are taken. Gilman had, too, had firsthand experience with the physician in the story. Charlotte Perkins Gilman s believes that there really was no difference in means of way of thinking between men or women is strongly. â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† is a short story about a woman whoRead MoreThe Yellow Wallpaper By Charlotte Perkins Gilman1547 Words   |  7 PagesCharlotte Perkins Gilman s career as a leading feminists and social activist translated into her writing as did her personal life. Gilman s treatment for her sever e depression and feelings of confinement in her marriage were paralleled by the narrator in her shorty story, The Yellow Wallpaper. Charlotte Perkins Gilman was born in 1860 in Hartford, Connecticut. Her parents, Mary Fitch Perkins and Fredrick Beecher Perkins, divorced in 1869. Her dad, a distinguished librarian and magazine editor

The Learning Processes and Teaching Roles in Native Education

Question: Discuss about the Learning Processes and Teaching Roles in Native Education for Cultural Base and Cultural Brokerage. Answer: Introduction Relevance There is a fundamental difference in the context of world-view as advocated in the Aboriginal culture as against the mainstream culture represented by the English language. While, the traditional culture is symbolised by Aboriginal culture and modern being represented by mainstream culture, there are stark contrasts between the two. In order to ensure that the penetration of education is enhanced amongst the Aboriginal population in Canada, this cultural difference plays a vital role. This is primarily because on one hand the native education seeks to safeguard the rich cultural base and heritage of the Aborigines but at the same time they ought to imbibe some of the mainstream education. The teachers from native population tends to act as cultural brokers in this regard since they act as a bridge between the native education and mainstream education and thereby seek to bring about a harmonious and desirable integration of the two. This would successfully bring about a sustainable ch ange in the educational status of these people and thus enhance their development (Battiste and Barman). Cultural Brokerage and Significance The teachers engaged in Native education need to make important choices in order to enhance the learning outcome and most importantly to gain acceptability amongst the Aboriginal community. Failure to do the above, leads to dissatisfaction and high drop out amongst the community and native education receives a huge setback(White, Peters and Beavon). The concept of Cultural Brokerage in context of Aboriginal education was brought forward by Arlene Stairs in the context of tensions experienced with regards to teaching experiences of North Baffin communities. He indicates that there are two models (Traditional education and mainstream education) that are adopted in parallel which are starkly different. He opined that to enhance the education outcomes, the native teachers must act as cultural brokers and must enhance the modern concepts through traditional tales and keep the essence of the culture intact. However, he indicated that this integration has not happened in the past which has quashed all hopes in these native communities of bringing about educational change. This lack of integration has been at display at all levels of education and a significant contributory factor to the continued backwardness of the native communities in Canada (Stairs). Issues and Corrective Measures As per a survey in Ontario schools by Mackay Miles, it has been found that the major factor which tends to lead to dropouts and failure of youths from native communities is the overall failure of the process used for education of these students. It was found that in educational institutions which fostered a partnership with native communities and had respect for their culture, the outcomes in terms of learning were much higher while at the same time dropout ratio was considerably lower. Hesch conducted a review of the SUNTEP i.e. Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program and found a host of issues with regards to teaching practices and the associated curriculum. This gave rise to an inefficient educational system where the teachers and Native students were pulled in different directions, thus leading to unsatisfactory outcomes(White, Peters and Beavon). Thus, research scholars in this domain suggest that such tensions need to be minimised for enhancing learning outcomes. F urther, in order to enhance credibility and act as a successful cultural broker, participation of elders belonging to native communities is also highly helpful. The inclusion of elders is highly helpful in enhancing learning outcomes especially because amongst the native populations also, there is high diversity with regards to beliefs and culture(Leavitt). It has been also suggested that the mainstream evaluation model should be substituted with alternate self-evaluation and assessment models that could be more effective. Additionally, the non-native teachers need to develop an understanding of the native culture so that the professional and social expectations of the teachers and students can integrate (Kitchen, Cherubini and Trudeau). Conclusion It may be concluded from the above discussion that the education in the native population should be propagated in a manner which safeguards their culture. Additionally, the processes and curriculum should be designed in a manner so that the teachers can act as cultural brokers. In this process, the government is a critical stakeholder which needs to ensure mandatory training of non-native teachers with regards to native culture and traditional values. Further, the professional and social outcomes should be defined in congruence with the aboriginal population who need to act as active partners in this process. Only then can the process of educational change bring about inclusive progress in these communities and enhance their development without harming their cultural identity. References Battiste, M and J Barman. First Nations education in Canada: The circle unfolds. Vancouver: University of British Columbia, 1995. Kitchen, J, et al. " Weeding out or developing capacity? Challenges for Aboriginal teacher education." Alberta Journal of Educational Research (2010): 102-110. Leavitt, R. " Language and cultural content in Native education." Battiste, M and J Barman. First Nations education in Canada: The circle unfolds. Vancouver: University of British Columbia, 1995. 124-138. Stairs, Andre. "Learning processes and teaching roles in native education: Cultural base and Cultural Brokerage." Battiste, M and J Barman. First Nations education in Canada: The circle. Vancouver: University of British Columbia, 1995. 139-153. White, JP, et al. Aboriginal education: Current crisis and future alternatives . Toronto: Thompson Educational Publishing, 2009.

Student Essay Example

Student Essay Prabowo, Aburizal score poorly for human rights A survey published by the human rights watchdog group the Setara Institute on Monday found that Lt. Gen. (ret. ) Prabowo Subianto, chief patron of the Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party and Aburizal Bakrie, Golkar Party chairman, had the worst human rights records among politicians tapped to run in the 2014 presidential election. The survey found that only 0. percent of 200 respondents †comprising activists, academics, community leaders, Journalists, lawyers and researchers † from 20 rovinces, were convinced that if Prabowo was elected he would be committed to the protection of human rights. An equal number of respondents also doubted Aburizals commitment to human rights. He, as owner of oil and gas company PT Lapindo Brantas, was deemed responsible for the Lapindo mudflow in SidoarJo, East Java, which displaced thousands of people in 2006. National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) announced the Lapindo mudflow was a human rights violation and Lapindo Brantas was responsible for the man-made disaster. On the other extreme, the survey found that popular Jakarta Governor Joko Jokowi Widodo was considered to be committed to protecting the basic rights of the people. Jokowi got the nod from 39 percent of respondents, followed by former Constitutional Court Justice chief Mahfud MD with 20 percent. The study cited Prabowos dark past as the main reason behind the respondents poor assessment of him. It is obvious that certain segments of society remember his record, Ismail Hasan, a Setara researcher said. Setara Institute chairman Hendardi, however, said that as more people forget † or are not aware of † Prabowos past deeds, it was the responsibility of rights group to ducate them. The majority of the public, especially young voters, lack knowledge. It is our Job to evaluate and publish our findings on how co mmitted these fgures are to protecting and upholding the rights of the people, Hendardi said Monday. We will write a custom essay sample on Student specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Student specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Student specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Prabowo will always be associated with the 1998 May riots in Jakarta, which precipitated the end of former Soehartos authoritarian regime. rights violations during the extensive riots, other leading military fgures were also responsible including then Army commander Gen. (ret. ) Wiranto, who currently chairs the Peoples Conscience Party (Hanura). The House of Representatives issued a recommendation for the establishment of a human rights tribunal on the case in September 2009, but nothing has been done yet. According to the Setara survey, 53. percent of the respondents said that Prabowos reputation would influence voters. However, 46 percent said that it would not affect their preference. A member of Gerindras board, Martin Hutabarat, said the pattern was predictable: as the election neared, attacks on Prabowo would intensify. l understand people will bring the discussion to the table every time we approach the election. We do consider this a serious matter but it will not affect us because we are focusing on the future instead of the past, Martin told The Jakarta Post. Martin, a member of the House Commission Ill overseeing law and human rights, further defended Prabowo, saying that the former Army Special Forces (Kopassus) chief was fully committed to fghting for human rights. He said that Prabowos latest efforts evidenced this: He set up a legal team and traveled with them to Malaysia to defend the rights of Indonesian migrant worker Wilfrida Soik, who was on trial for murder and was facing the death sentence. Crash exposes gaps in rail safety The railroad crossing collision between an electric commuter train and a gasoline tanker in Pondok Betung, Bintaro, South Jakarta, on Monday has raised concerns about passenger safety and the imminent threat posed by unofficial crossings in the capital. At least five people died and 91 were injured, nine of whom suffered burn injuries. Based on eyewitness accounts, the state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina tanker hauling 24,000 liters of fuel slipped past a closing crossing barrier as a train on the Serpong- Tanah Abang line headed through the intersection at about 1 1 a. . The tanker failed to get across the tracks and the train slammed into it. There was an explosion on impact and flames engulfed the front part of the train, which was Though some passengers on the train said they had not heard the crossing alarm, a passer-by, Maryati, said that the crossing alarm had definitely gone off. There was even an officer who warned [the driver] not to pass t hrough the gate. Such an accident is not unprecedented. Most of them have been caused by drivers who neglected to heed the warning alarm, she said. Other witnesses said that there was a pak ogah, a person who directs motorists for mall change,encouraging the truck driver to move forward through the crossing. The intersection in Pondok Betung, which is located between the Pondok Ran] and Kebayoran Lama stations, is known as a dangerous crossing. According to data from state train operator PT KAIS Jakarta office, most of the train accidents that took place in the capital this year as of mid-November were related to crossing collisions. That period had seen 68 such accidents, mainly occurring when motorists forced their way through the barriers to try and beat the train. Currently, there are 549 train crossings in the capital, 197 of which are unofficial † ot meant for public access but used by locals as shortcuts and lack barriers. Ronaldo, Messi, Ribery up for Ballon dOr Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery are in the running for the Ballon dOr. FIFA announced the shortlist Monday after voting rules changes made Ronaldo the favorite after helping Portugal qualify for the World Cup last month. FIFA gave voters † national team captains and coaches, plus selected Journalists † two extra weeks to choose from 23 candidates, and even change preference. Ronaldos hat trick against Sweden helped lift his tally to 67 goals for Portugal and Real Madrid 2013. Messi, who has won the last four player of the year awards, scored 45 goals for Argentina and Barcelona before being injured. Ribery was already named Europes best player for helping Bayern Munich win the The award ceremony is Jan. 13. Ribery had been the favorite until FIFAs surprising announcement to re-open voting the morning after Portugals playoff victory in Stockholm. Speculation about FIFAs motives was fuelled by a bizarre public spat weeks earlier between Ronaldo and FIFA President Sepp Blatter. Blatter offended the 2008 award winner with comments and mimicry when ddressing students at Oxford University in England. Contrasting Messis humble, low-key personality with Ronaldos apparent vanity, Blatter then stood to act out what he described as the Portugal wingers commander in the field stature. Ronaldo responded in a barbed statement on his Facebook page and celebrated a goal in his next match with a mock military salute gesture. The Portuguese government got involved to defend its national hero, and the dispute seemed to confirm to Madrid fans and media that FIFA is biased toward Barcelona, even though Ballon dOr ballots are cast independently. Messi has won the world player award each year since 2009, and three times Ronaldo has been runner-up. In the 2010 award, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta completed an all-Barcelona podium. In January 2012, Ronaldo and then-Madrid coach Jose Mourinho skipped the gala ceremony in Zurich despite being on the shortlists, citing a clash with preparation for a Copa del Rey match. Ronaldo attended last January and impressed with his gracious attitude despite losing again to Messi. Messi was runner-up when Ronaldo won his first and only award for 2008 after helping Manchester United win the Champions League title. Ronaldo did not win a trophy in 2013 despite an astonishing, prolific scoring rate of better than one goal per game. His World Cup playoff displays could be key, having scored all of Portugals goals in a 4-2 aggregate victory over Sweden. Messi scored 45 goals in 46 games but his playing year was ended by his third injury, The Ballon dOr was created by France Football magazine in 1956 and, three years ago, merged with FIFAs world player of the year award, which had been presented since 1991. The finalists for the womens world player award are Abby Wambach of the United States, five-time winner Marta of Brazil and Nadine Angerer of Germany. The ceremony will also give awards to the best coaches in mens and womens football. The mens list is headed by Alex Ferguson, who retired as Manchester United manager in May after more than 26 years. World leaders, South Africans honor Mandela World leaders and Joyous, singing South Africans honored Nelson Mandela on Tuesday at a rainy Soweto soccer stadium where U. S. President Barack Obama praised him as a giant of history and the last great liberator of the 20th century. Over thirty years ago, while still a student, I learned of Mandela and the struggles in this land. It stirred something in me. It woke me up to my responsibilities † to others, and to myself † and set me on an improbable Journey that finds me here today. said Obama, who like Mandela became the first black president of his country. Those in the stadium gave roars of approval to Obamas speech. South African President Jacob Zuma, however, was booed. Many South Africans are unhappy with Zuma because of state corruption scandals, though his ruling African National Congress, once led by Mandela, remains the front-runner ahead of elections next year. Amid heavy rains, crowds came to FNB Stadium in Soweto, the Johannesburg township that was a stronghold of support for the anti-apartheid struggle that Mandela embodied as a prisoner of white rule for 27 years and then during a peril- fraught transition to the all-race elections that made him president. But the weather and public transportation problems rain kept many people away. The 95,000-capacity stadium was only two-thirds full. Some of the dozens of trains reserved to ferry people to the stadium were delayed ue to a power failure. A Metrorail services spokeswoman, Lilian Mofokeng, said more than 30,000 mourners were successfully transported by train. attendance. As Obama walked to the podium, he and Cuban President Raul Castro shook hands. Thabo Mbeki, the former South African president who succeeded Mandela, got a rousing cheer as he entered the stands. French President Francois Hollande and his predecessor and rival, Nicolas Sarkozy, arrived together. United Nations Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon waved and bowed to spectators who sang praise for Mandela, seen by many South Africans as the father of the nation.