Reading about the population of South Africa, I was surprised to see that blacks were the majority and whites were the minority. Yet, the concerns and well being of the majority were considered inadequate and minor. It makes me question why the system of apartheid lasted as long as it did. Why didn't the group with more people "win" by default or revolt sooner and demolish the system that held them down? My confusion probably stems from my instant comparison of South Africa and the United States because I often tend to think they are similar. It also makes me question the demographics of my own country. Is the black population really the American minority or are we vast in number like our sisters and brothers in South Africa.
The history of South Africa was interesting to learn about. I had no idea that the city we will spend most of our time was considered the "Mother City"due to it being the first South African city of European settlement. The rest of South Africa's history was marked with extreme injustices against people of color, but it is interesting to see how the government will use issues of the past to better the future. One must first make mistakes before they can learn from them and succeed.
The current event that struck out to me the most is the story about the Lagos church victims being repatriated South Africa. It is interesting to me because my ethnicity is Nigerian. This is also intriguing, since in a way I will be like those victims. But to travel to another country alive and come back to my home country dead is very heartbreaking. I pray for the entire continent of Africa and I hope the mourning families gain closure.
With that being said, my question for Mr. Gilmour would be: where do you see South Africa, in terms of race relations and social welfare (employment, education, living, etc), in the next five years?
Despite the fact that whites were a minority, I think they ruled as long as they did because they had more money. Also, the Black South Africans were disenfranchised so that they could not vote for poltical leaders that would represent them. It is definitely interesting that despite the black majority, Apartheid lasted until 25 years ago. Cape Town has a unique cultural and historical place in the country so it will be interesting to see how it differs from the rest of the country. I hadn't heard about the Lagos church- they'll be in my thoughts!
ReplyDeleteHi Faith! I too was surprised about Cape Town is considered the "Mother City". I really enjoyed reading your insight and experience about the Lagos church victims. I pray also for an end to families suffering in all of Africa.
ReplyDeleteFaith, I liked your ethnic ties to your current event. Reading how you identify with that event is something really interesting that many of the rest of us cannot relate to. It's cool to be able to understand your experiences and feelings with regards to the situation.
ReplyDeleteI too am surprised that apartheid lasted so long when whites were the minority. I think that is why there was so much violence; they were trying to instill fear and respect into the whites. In the US, because blacks were the minority during the civil rights movement, they realized that peace would be the best option from the very beginning. I also did not know that Cape Town was the 'Mother City', and this is even more reason to be prepared for the racial tension when we arrive and spend a month there. Great Post!
ReplyDelete