During
my class last semester my professor asked my white classmates what the purpose
of tanning was. I was eager for the answer; however, everyone remained quiet.
Maybe they feared whatever answer they had would insult the professor, who was
African American. If having slightly darker skin is so desired why all of those
who do naturally possess these qualities are treated unequal and are oppressed?
If many darker toned minorities meet this beauty standard, why are they treated
less and are not represented? Watching television felt like a rejuvenating
experience in South Africa. For the first time I saw an advertisement which
focused on a black ballerina (which seems nonexistent in the States). Then I
saw another ad with seemingly an Indian family and other diverse commercials.
As much as the United States is diverse you would think they would have the
same things, if not more.
While visiting the many historical sites in Cape
Town, I truly realized how recent the South African Apartheid had occurred. As
two ex-prisoners on Robben Island described what it was like to be imprisoned,
it was something a textbook or documentary could that reiterate. These were
real experiences told in real time at the place in which it had occurred. I
felt honored being in their presence as I felt the same way with those who
forcibly removed from District 6. The townships are the physical and
emotional result of history and there are organizations that are slowly putting its
people back together.
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| Former political prisoner shares the story of his time on Robben Island |
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