In preparation for our Cape Town trip, we have been looking into the past of South Africa to get a better understanding of the new environment we are going to be exploring. We have looked at the anti-apartheid movement and South Africa's road to equality, but as discussed in class last week, we were not able to get into depth of everyone's role in the movement and how the movement formed today's culture in South Africa. From my own research I have found out some interesting information that can help us get a rounder understanding of South Africa today and their past.
In a youtube video called " South Africa Post Apartheid Generation" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elrWczhTZBk) we get a glimpse in today's younger south african generation. It's interesting to see how the younger generation has given up on the government post apartheid, and choose to put their fate in their own hands. Instead of waiting on the government to make change in their society, they are trying to rebuild the country themselves. One person who was interviewed expresses his lack of interest in the government saying, "I've seen my grandmother vote too many times, and nothing has changed". It shows that even post apartheid there is still a lot of work to be done, despite all of the countries accomplishments.
In an article called "Effects of Apartheid on the Status of Women in South Africa", we learn how they were effected. The article gets into depth of how different groups of women were effected. Urban and Rural women were effected differently, but both faced extreme oppression during apartheid and were forced to live in "shadowed " positions. I suggest reading this article to get a better understanding of how the apartheid effected women.
Using this new found information, I look forward to seeing how the women of South Africa today are trying to expand their roles in their society as South Africa continues to reconstruct post apartheid.
It is sad how many people have not seen much change in their standard of living even after the end of economic and political apartheid. My article on the current president also highlighted the corruption in government that is contributing to the stunting of progress. Hopefully we'll get more insight on our trip!
ReplyDeleteWhen I first learned about the end of apartheid in South Africa, I was given this impression that the country had completely stepped out of the divide and disparities that the system enforced. As disheartening as it is, digging deeper than the surface, as you did, shows that there indeed is much work to be done. Just as Americans today still have disparities in income, socioeconomic status, and more between groups and genders, South Africans too have disparities. I find hope in how so many of the younger generation are taking matters into their own hands, and I hope that we can help with their efforts!
ReplyDeleteI really like the video you shared! It demonstrates the frustration that the youth are enduring because of the lack of government action. Sometimes it has to be the younger generation who needs to rise up and become the next leaders to make a difference. The video really highlights this.
ReplyDeleteI found similar research regarding South Africa's government, and I was surprised to read about how South African's compared the apartheid government to one they have today. It seems like there are mixed feelings about the role of government and what exactly it has accomplished. This topic is definitely something worth going into more depth.
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