This lack of feeling and empathy is one that I cannot seem to grasp. Coupled with acute lack of knowledge or appreciation regarding our history generally makes me feel what I term the equivalent of hulking-out.
Is it me or does there seem to be a sense of ambivalence to our heritage?
Now I may not be the biggest observer of culture etc, having said that I do tend to be immensely patriotic. Like I hear the anthem and get tear-y, I watch Desmond Tutu be amazing and get tear-y, I meet someone who zero knowledge of why we celebrate Youth Day and I get agro.
How is it that you've grown up in a country that birthed the Freedom Charter, that imprisoned those who fought against racial oppression and finally a nation that has seen the end of mass injustice and moved on to have one of the most democratic and free constitutions in the world, and not be proud of your land of birth.
It saddens me that these are the same people who no longer feel safe to walk the streets of their own home, who feel that immigration is the only answer when having children and yet believe that women get raped because they dress a certain way and of course this gem, "Sure Nelson Mandela did good stuff but its not like apartheid affected me so I really don't care."
If you're wondering if this tirade came from a very upsetting conversation then yes, you would be right.
What I wonder is if this is the attitude of those who are barely 5 years younger than me, then what hope does the next generation have?
The sadness I feel at this loss of cultural identity cannot be described...if we cannot love the land of our birth, embrace its goodness and impurities, it's failings and positives then where do we find ourselves. How do we establish our identity in a land we do not identify with...
Lots of questions...not enough answers. But then again questions can only be answered on whatever route your journey has for you...
Okay it's time to be silent. This post was a bit of a downer, a lot of a tirade and the majority sadness. But alas tomorrow is a better day.
