Friday, September 21, 2012

A LITTLE STORY ABOUT DESMOND TUTU

In his book Engaging the Powers, Walter Wink discusses the use of humor and wit in conflict situations and tells the following story about Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa:
Sometimes wit can have a barb, as when Bishop Desmond Tutu was walking by a construction site on a temporary sidewalk the width of one person.  A white man appeared at the other end, recognized Tutu, and said, "I don't give way to gorillas."  At which Tutu stepped aside, made a deep sweeping gesture, and said, "Ah yes, but I do."
Now isn't that just like dear Tutu?

14 comments:

  1. Love him.

    Mimi, I recently listened to a podcast interview with +Tutu, and it was just lovely. He giggles all the way through it, and it made me love him even more. If you are interested, I highly recommend it--it is truly worth the time:

    On Being: Tutu's God of Surprises

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    1. Doxy, thanks for the link. I will surely listen. What a wise and dear man. How can anyone not love him?

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    2. Watching and listening to Tutu is always a joy. The interview is well worth the time.

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  2. Tutu is wonderful! Too bad we can't clone him! He is just as charming in person as he is in the printed or spoken word.

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  3. Agreeing with all the comments. He is such a wonderful gift.

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  4. Yes to all! I would love to meet him.

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  5. He does even the barbs with grace, and love. He is truly one of God's most gracious, and loving people on the planet and I am thankful for him.

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  6. Did you see this interview with Desmond Tutu in The Netherlands?

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    1. Wonderful! I love the way Tutu laughs at himself.

      On Blair and Bush re Iraq invasion: "They lied. They should apologize to the world."

      Will Obama be reelected? Silence. "...the alternative? Ha, ha, ha, ha.... Where is his heart?"

      What a treasure! What a gift!

      Thanks for the link, Ann.

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  7. I'd love to meet Tutu, too. He radiates love even through the intertubes.

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  8. Who would not, could not love Tutu?

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