Seeing that I will be spending a month in Africa, I feel that it is necessary for me to get to know the culture and history of this foreign place. All throughout high school it was very rare that the details of Africa's history and culture were brought up. Since our primary focus was the United States history, my image of Africa stems only from what I saw on tv or online, but after reading this weeks readings, I was able to form a better image on today's South African Society.
The readings when into depth on the history of South Africa. The way that the Natives where forced out of their homeland parallels the way Native Americans where forced into reservations in America. Plus, much like the United States, the racial segregation and discrimination played a huge role in the development of the country. Similarly minorities, particularly blacks, had to fight for equalities and their rights, much like what happened during the Civil rights movement. To think that 87% of the land was not available to the minorities a few decades ago baffles me. What also baffles me is how recently their rights were restored. It was just 25 years ago when the apartheid policies where renounced, but in that short amount of time the country has progressed immensely.
Still, the apartheid regime has left a lasting impression on the country, creating a separation between blacks and whites. A majority of black lives live on the outskirts of cities in poverty and struggle with the high crime rates that plague the country. The separation stemming from the apartheid regime left many in despair, which leads me to my question for our guest speaker this week, David Gilmore, the Deputy Assistant Security in the Bureau of African Affairs.
I would like to know how the United States is helping facilitate progression within the underdeveloped areas, otherwise known as townships. Specifically I would like to know if and how the United States is helping South Africa create a better security system for their citizens. I look forward to this week class to hear what Gilmore has to say and seeing what role the United States has within the progress of South Africa.
Still, the apartheid regime has left a lasting impression on the country, creating a separation between blacks and whites. A majority of black lives live on the outskirts of cities in poverty and struggle with the high crime rates that plague the country. The separation stemming from the apartheid regime left many in despair, which leads me to my question for our guest speaker this week, David Gilmore, the Deputy Assistant Security in the Bureau of African Affairs.
I would like to know how the United States is helping facilitate progression within the underdeveloped areas, otherwise known as townships. Specifically I would like to know if and how the United States is helping South Africa create a better security system for their citizens. I look forward to this week class to hear what Gilmore has to say and seeing what role the United States has within the progress of South Africa.
I agree with the parallels of South Africa and the United States history and I liked how you used the Native Americans as an example. I like your take on the readings and how you explain the negative impact the Apartheid Era left on South Africa and its future.Interesting question, mine is similar in regard to U.S policy in helping improve South Africa's economy. This is a great post!
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