Remnants of Oppression

Oppression is not something that disappears with a new constitution or politicians that declare your freedom. Although the oppressive government and laws may have been dismantled twelve years ago, OPRESSION still lives on in the hearts and minds of the formally oppressed and the oppressors. The remnants of oppression manifest themselves in many ways and shock us each time they show their ugly face. Actions and decisions born of oppression are easy to identify because they stand in great contrast to the beauty and optimism that make up the people of South Africa.

On one memorable bus ride home from Pretoria, Joe was seated next to an older black man who insisted that black people are stupid and short-sided. He had become disillusioned with the peoples’ and the current black majority government’s inability to end the epidemic unemployment, violence, and poverty in the country. The old man insisted that this was proof that black men were inferior and couldn’t run the country. This was heartbreaking for Joe to listen to. He tried to explain to the man that the nation of South Africa was still very young and had already achieved many incredible victories under the leadership of the new government. The man proclaimed that he knew better because he was black and that black men just want to be drunk and lazy. It was crushing to hear the passion he used to defend his position. It seemed as though he had internalized the propaganda of the former oppressive government and would not allow himself to recognize the extraordinary successes of his amazing country: peacefully bringing an end to apartheid, creating a new diverse government that reflects the country’s numerous nations and races and in twelve short years developing a country that is seen as a model of democracy and human rights around the world.

It was deeply troubling to Joe to hear this man voice his opinions, but has led to many reflective and interesting conversations and serves as a constant reminder that changing laws does not automatically change hearts and minds. It is evident that the former government’s systematic oppression is still embedded in all aspects of life in South Africa and creates many barriers to change.