Blogs :: A Special Report on ZA: Part 3

A Special Report on ZA: Part 3

Experiences. The acquisition of, good and bad, are what this adventure, as are most, is ultimately about. With experience you have the opportunity to gain knowledge, insight, wisdom into the lives of others as well as yourself. South Africa came with more than expected. Different than expected. Better than expected. Experiences.
On Violence
Having never heard stories first hand about the lack of appreciation for human life, South Africa become my first. Violence, sometimes out of retribution, other times not, has rifled this country for decades, centuries, millennium? Its sad. While often times you can find an instigator, a reason, an explanation for an inhumane act, many times you cannot. You try and try to understand why individuals, parties, families, tribes, cultures behave, but you cannot. Perhaps it is our western way of thought that prevents us from fully understanding and therefore, unable to progress the lives of those living by ethical and moral standards we find appalling. Talk to most modern South Africans and they boil it down to one issue: lack of ability to reason.

When I am asked to compare crime in South Africa to South America, both developing worlds striving to become noticed in the push for globalization, I often use one simple story to explain. In Colombia I was mugged by a homeless man using a sharp piece of broken glass he found in the alley. While no doubt it could have done damage, it wasn't the firearm I would have been shown South Africa. Tricky to dodge a knife wielding thief, nearly impossible a trigger happy bugler. And the biggest difference between South Africa and the United States, the keywords being "trigger happy". Blame it on the proliferation of weapons or parenting. Your pick.

On Racism
Living in Phoenix was not considered "safe". I think its one of the best decision we've made on this journey. Talk to any "white" on the street and they will return one of the following reactions: Surprise. Disgust. Interest. Those in disgust quickly leave the conversation. Not change the topic, not question why, simply leave. Is it for lingering racist mentality? Or based upon class status? Or a little of both? Often difficult to tell, other times not. The minority we hope, but quite a surprise and disgust to us. We were appalled at said actions as were they with ours.

Surprise. Those who never visited Phoenix, ever. Not a big surprise to us, as many have never visited the Bronx of New York City, Five Points of Denver, or Compton of Los Angeles, despite living in these cities all our lives.

Interest. In experiencing for themselves? None.

On Death
Over 43 persons a day die in road accidents in South Africa. The next closest country halves that number. Most westerns divide by 4. They say driving is more dangerous than flying. In South Africa, my nerves finally agreed. Riding in the back of pickup trucks, swerving around corners in taxis, and seeing the conditions of rural roads sent me longing for the prick cops of the US of A, high fuel taxes, and un-bribablep pain-in-your-ass DMV.

Talk to just about anyone and you will find less than 6 degrees of car accident and death separation. Whether it be one-vehicle accidents or the 70+ car pile up we nearly avoided ourselves that took lives of 4 individuals. Our couch surfing host in Rustenburg shared stories of losing her brother, her father, several friends or friends of friends to death. Either via sudden accidents, premature illnesses, or violent robberies. She didn't lament or show any surprise in retelling.

In South Africa, death happens. Violence happens. Racism happens. More frequently than I was willing to accept, but a part of normal life for citizens.

These are a handful experiences I created or stories listened to in earnest about South Africa. While the above does not "paint a pretty picture", it is by no means "the whole picture". I struggled whether to write this blog, how to write it, and how it would be perceived. South Africa is a wonderful country, with wonderful people, with wonderful scenery, with wonderful food, and with a wonderful, unique, culture. I hope I was able to convey that in Parts 1 and 2. Tormented by a past most of us have never truly experienced and just like any country, it is not without problems, trials, and tribulations. I have great hope, but I fear many do not, both foreigners and locals alike. Only time will tell which way goes South Africa, but that time may be sooner than everyone expects. I pray for the nation to truly become united, to truly become the rainbow nation of Tutu and Mandela.

If you have read this far, but missed reading the article from the Economist, and wish to know more about South Africa, please read the real "A Special Report on South Africa". You will not disappointed. You will be enlightened.