It Would be Easier to Slaughter a Chicken
Today, the world seems to be back to normal. M is back to work today. The sun has come out after 5 straight days of rain. And I had a solid 8 hours last night.
In all, it is nice to be back to a typical Jo'burg routine. I have adjusted back to my daily commute and morning workouts. Dizzy and I had a lovely evening sitting on the couch last night in our sweat suits (it was cold with the rain). We ate tofu and salad and watched South African Soapies.
Isidingo has been particularly good (check out their website here). A current story-line involves Joe (a white South African) dating Letti (a black South African). Letti's father has found it difficult to deal with his daughter dating a white man. This week, he has been making an effort to get to know Joe. Things were looking good until he decided to invite Joe over for a family brai (bbq) on Friday afternoon; he plans to slaughter chickens to brai and will have Joe participate in the slaughter as a means of testing Joe's ability to fit into a Sotho family.
While this may seem a bit stereotypical or dramatic, it's a common issue in South Africa. Going on holiday this Christmas, Rae reminded me that I must call ahead to my host-brother to ensure it was okay that I was bringing a black friend along with me. It's something that I would never think about at home, yet I know from my history here in South Africa that these issues need to be dealt with. People I would never have expected to have a problem with race have been overtly concerned with colour and would have flatly refused a house guest of a different race.
In a country where racism was institutionalised, it's not surprising, really. It is not easy to purge nations or individuals of their beliefs.
As for Joe, I am sure it will be easier for him to slaughter those chickens than change Letti's father's beliefs.
In all, it is nice to be back to a typical Jo'burg routine. I have adjusted back to my daily commute and morning workouts. Dizzy and I had a lovely evening sitting on the couch last night in our sweat suits (it was cold with the rain). We ate tofu and salad and watched South African Soapies.
Isidingo has been particularly good (check out their website here). A current story-line involves Joe (a white South African) dating Letti (a black South African). Letti's father has found it difficult to deal with his daughter dating a white man. This week, he has been making an effort to get to know Joe. Things were looking good until he decided to invite Joe over for a family brai (bbq) on Friday afternoon; he plans to slaughter chickens to brai and will have Joe participate in the slaughter as a means of testing Joe's ability to fit into a Sotho family.
While this may seem a bit stereotypical or dramatic, it's a common issue in South Africa. Going on holiday this Christmas, Rae reminded me that I must call ahead to my host-brother to ensure it was okay that I was bringing a black friend along with me. It's something that I would never think about at home, yet I know from my history here in South Africa that these issues need to be dealt with. People I would never have expected to have a problem with race have been overtly concerned with colour and would have flatly refused a house guest of a different race.
In a country where racism was institutionalised, it's not surprising, really. It is not easy to purge nations or individuals of their beliefs.
As for Joe, I am sure it will be easier for him to slaughter those chickens than change Letti's father's beliefs.
posted by Jana at 4:38 PM
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