Prompt 1: Whatever you thought about South Africa, think again

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.