When people think of Africa, they
conjure specific images that reduce the world’s second largest continent,filled
with fifty-four countries,to roaming lions and poverty. Moreover, our class has spent a
semester studying South Africa, and have heard stories from
friends that have lived or visited the country, so many of us did have certain ideas for what to
expect. However,we did end up having a few of our conceptions of South Africa
disproved.
What we found to be so surprising
was the widespread influence of Western culture. While we knew that South
Africa was developed and had modern technology and Western influence, we were
surprised to see Western products heavily advertised and Western beauty heavily
perpetuated in storefronts and fashion. We were expecting African culture to be
much more popular. What we have noted is the fact that we have heard more American
music in South Africa than we normally listen to in America! American pop music
is very popular and is highly consumed by South Africans. We were also
surprised to learn that South African cuisine in Claremont was not as popular around the area; we found many restaurants catering to American,Mexican and Asian cuisine. We are disappointed
that so far we've had a lot of American food and have had difficulty in finding South African cuisine; we hope to find and experience real South African food with no American influence.
We also expected people to have
negative perceptions of us as Americans, but we have found people to be very
friendly or indifferent towards us. Most people do not question our accents or
stare rudely. We have had waiters or waitresses ask us questions about specific
things but no one has treated us extremely different. Cape Town residents
seem to be well adjusted to visitors and diversity. We all feel that we fit in
here because we reflect the city phenotypically. While walking in
small groups or in duos and not speaking, we’ve noticed that we do not draw
much attention. Some of us desire more conversation with the locals and are
surprised that we do not have more candid conversations. Overall, many people
have been really friendly, curious and open. Additionally, we are very surprised that no
one in our group has been catcalled by men. Most men have ignored us or been
respectful in the streets. Some of the women have been approached or touched in
clubs/bars, but on the streets of Cape Town the men seem to know how to respect a women's space.
Overall, South Africa has been
really wonderful and an eye opening experience. The people, culture and
atmosphere have been very enjoyable and in only three days we have learned so
many things.Most of all, we are grateful that we can walk outside as women and not have to worry about men approaching us disrespectfully,
so far. We are slightly disappointed in the high-consumption of American music;
it is almost overwhelming. The indifference of locals to our American-ness is
surprising, as we were warned many people would approach us for different
reasons. We cannot wait to learn more and have our other expectations
interrupted as we delve into the culture and become closer to the locals.
