South Africa
South Africa was colonized by English and Dutch traders in the seventeenth century, and is the only country that is named after its geographic location. Although the Portuguese had had little competition in the region up until the late 16th century, the English and Dutch began to fight the Portuguese along their trade routes. The first settlers to settle this area were in a Dutch vessel that wrecked in Cape Town, so they built a fort and stayed for a year before they were rescued. Diamonds were found in the land in the 1900’s, causing the English invasion, and then leading to the Boer war. This country fought in a few wars over the next decade, and finding their nation torn apart by the apartheid law. In 1996, the Parliament enacted a new Constitution and Bill of rights, disbanding the apartheid (which will later be discussed.) Today we are going to discuss the many differences in South Africa’s cultures, and learn about the different races and ethnicities that reside in this country. We are also going to discuss the discrimination and hate that constituted legalized discrimination to keep the white people above. Lastly, we will discuss what parts of culture and race have been affected by the discrimination.
Cultures:
There are a variety of cultures that make up South Africa. It is hard to properly outline of general etiquette when there is such a great diversity of people that make up this nation. One thing that this entire nation seems to commonly show is their family is of the upmost importance. Even the extended family is considered to be as close as the blood family. There is a big difference in those who live in the city, and those who live in the country. Those who live in the city, live in a place that a fast paced world which is common to all the larger cities in this world. The people who live in the country on farms and in small communities are viewed as people who value human decency over material gain and economic wealth. There is a large understanding between these people that they need to be understanding and respectful to the customs and traditions of those they live amongst. The friendships and relationships of the cultures in South Africa depend on this understanding.
Some of the traditional black cultures are in much of the countryside and still strong in their cultural ways even with the suppression of the Apartheid (which we will go into more about later). One way to connect to the lost cultures of South Africa’s indigenous people is the art that can be found in rock or cave paintings by the San. Zulus are known to be one of the strongest surviving black cultures, and their traditional art consists of “coded” beadwork. The Xhosa people are known as red people because of their red-dyed clothing that the adults are known to wear. With the removal of the apartheid, “the new South Africa culture is being created on the streets of the townships and cities.” (South Africa Tours, n.d.)
Race:
This country has contracted a variety of races due to the great multiracial population. Some are people that are decedents from early settlers that had immigrated, some of this is due to the slave trade, and some due to South Africa providing refugee from the African and Asian countries. The majority cultures are composed of traditional African tribes collectively from the Bantu clan. Some of the many Bantu sub-tribes include; Lemba, Pondo, Swati, Zulu, and many, many more. Another amazing culture that exists here in South Africa is the indigenous culture known as Khoi-San. These people are believed to be the oldest surviving tribe in the world and even pre-dating early human civilizations. There are smaller cultures that include the general white, coloured, and the Malay. The white population is divided into two categories; English and the Afrikaner. The Malay and the coloured are closely analogous because of the inter-racial marriages. These two groups differ more with the Religious practices; Christianity and Muslims. The Christians and Muslims break down into two separate groups; the Muslim Malays and Coloureds, and the Christian Coloureds. Recent events have lead to prove that South Africa is a safe haven for people escaping the African and Asian countries. This includes a large populace of Egyptians, Pakistanis, Iraqis, Indians, Somalis, Nigerians, Nepalis, Ethiopians, and many more.
Race and Ethnicity:
There are not very many people that can accurately describe the difference between ethnicity and race. It is mainly due to the fact that most people tend to “lump” the together into the same definition. Even though the dictionary can show these words to be of very similar in nature, there are many differences as well. Ethnicity is not just about a person’s race; it’s about where they come from, their tradition, their learned customs, and behavior. You can say that a Caucasian is a white person, but that has nothing to do with their ethnicity! “It is about learning where you come from, and celebrating the traditions and ideas that are part of that region.” (Difference Between, 2011). Race on the other hand is your genetic make-up. Your DNA coded to your biologically engineered features. This includes your skin tone, skin color, and even your hair and eye color. Your race can also have a higher rate of contracting certain diseases. For example; sickle cell anemia is higher in that of an African American than any other race.
Apartheid:
Strategists that resided in the National Party invented “apartheid” which is adaptation of racial segregation that involves economic, political and legal discrimination against any person that is not white. Even though 75 percentage of South Africa’s population is black the Act of Union denied them many things just because of their color. Some of these examples include; the denial of voting, oppressive legislation, and blacks could not strike. All the skilled jobs were reserved for the white people keeping blacks form any type of military service. Blacks even had to carry a passport with them in order to move from place to place.
In 1948 the apartheid laws were created and with it; racial discrimination being legal. Not only did this affect every aspect of social life, but this barred any marriages between white and non-white, and it took away many jobs. In 1950 a law was passed called the Population Registration Act, and this law required all residents of South Africa to be racially classified. There were three categories; white, coloured (mixed decent), or black (African). The reasoning behind the discrimination that lives in this nation cannot truly be explained. “Initially, aim of the apartheid was to maintain white domination while extending racial separation.” (Chokshi, Carter, Gupta, Martin, & Allen, 1995). Over the years, it just became a way of life, and the cultures that were long lost forgotten are now being rediscovered. Many people today are still governed by their hate and prejudice. Racism has become a tradition passed down. Some people remain over sensitive and over react to certain situations. Racism will continue on for many years as it has here in the United States 150 years after we freed our slaves.
Discrimination Affects:
Ways that discrimination has affected this culture are there has been “little racial integration in residential areas, although schools provide an important opportunity for inter-racial interaction for middle-class children. Experimental and survey research provide little evidence of racism, however. Few people complain about racial discrimination, although many report everyday experiences that might be understood as discriminatory.” (Seekings, 2008) The land that was once mainly owned by whites is now being taken over by blacks has caused the government to be wearier of things. ”Its chief concern has been to ensure that the burning land question does not lead to capital flight and dis-investment. The result could be an economic meltdown in a white system cultivated over centuries and tied to the economic powerhouses in Western countries.” (Commey, 2002) Because of the suppression of the people during the times of the apartheid, people have changed their cultures and ways of lives creating a new culture that is being changed for the better every day. It takes a lot for people to change their way of thinking, and Rome wasn’t built in a day, so we should all know this will take time to get used to.
Conclusion:
In this essay we have discussed many things about South Africa. The different races and cultures that make up South Africa, a clear differentiation between race and ethnicity, examples of discrimination against culture, and the discriminating affects. When things have remained the same for so many years it is hard for people to wake up one day and accept change. I believe discrimination existed and will continue to exist because of the lack of education these poverty stricken people get (or the lack of for that matter). A person discrimination against another because they lack the understanding of others and in which gives them conclusions about the other based on menial, or gossip form information. How can one racial group say that they are better than another racial group? We are all humans that bleed the same color red, and we should all be treated equally, and maybe one day that dream will come to light. Who knows?
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