Blog 9: Powerful Impact of the Top Ten

TOP 10 READINGS & VIDEOS

Maymester 2015, South Africa  
1.Power and Privilege Definitions
2.Apartheid Timeline
3.Not White Enough, Not Black Enough
4.South Africa Progressive on LGBT Rights but Gays Still Battle for Social Reform
5.Cape Town: Gangs, Race and Poverty 20 years after Apartheid
6.Realizing Women's Rights in South Africa
7.Here's how South African students talk about race and gender
8.Winnie’ fails to capture the essence of Mrs. Mandela
9. Bucket list to visiting South Africa 
10. Culture in South Africa

        The top ten list combined various aspects that helped me better understand the present and past of South Africa and relate to many issues faced in the United States. The Power and Privilege Definitions form was useful in simplifying complex terms of race,power, and privilege pertaining to social issues in South Africa. Moreover,the Apartheid Timeline was a beneficial tool in showing the past and present of South Africa and various aspects that created and destroyed the Apartheid era. The article "Not White Enough, Not Black Enough" highlights the struggles of the colored community as they receive less benefits, opportunities, and attention compared to their black and white counterparts. The article "South Africa Progressive on LBGT Rights"showcased a tremendous,positive change for LGBT members,however many LBGTQ members still face conflict in terms of hate crimes and homophobia in South Africa.
      In addition, the video "Cape Town: Gangs, Race and Poverty" was a eye-opener as it depicts those living in the slums and facing crime, unemployment and poverty issues while living in a post-apartheid era. The article on "Realizing Women's right" is a powerful reflection of the life of many South African women and how they are treated as second class citizens in a male-dominated society.Not to mention, the poor representation of Winnie Mandela in the film Winnie, where it focuses mainly on her relationship with Mandela instead of the significant role she played in the anti-apartheid movement.The next article based on South African student's opinions,delves into the social issues of race, class, and gender and how they are coping in a new generation.  
     Additionally, the articles "Bucket List of South Africa" and "Culture in South Africa" are interesting and promote the diversity and unique items that make South Africa a popular tourist destination rich with history and tradition.To conclude, the top ten list gave insight into understanding the political, economic, and social objectives that created South Africa.