Work project

After much consideration, I have finally decided that I will work on the subject of migration and xenophobia. The decision was made by me (with a bit of encouragement) from my work supervisor. It is quite a topical subject considering the xenophobic attacks that have recently erupted in Johannesburg and spilled over into other cities. The attacks have been spreading like wild fire and there are fears that it might just get out of hand and turn into a full scale ethnic cleansing wave. Xenophobia has always been a problem in South Africa, it is just that the recent attacks erupted on an scale that was not anticipated. I intend to examine how anti- outsider sentiments manifesting themselves as xenophobic attacks relate to issues of human rights. I will have to read and google a lot for this subject because, fascinating though it is, my knowledge of history, law and human rights is minimal. I do not mind the reading though, I really miss the smell of the library and the sight of tall shelves staked with thick volumes.

Xenophobia

Last night I was woken up by the loud voices of a group of men who were shouting and fighting outside. At the first sound from the group, a now too familiar sinking feeling of fear gripped me. My heart raced and I started sweating. My first thought was that they were a xenophobic mob about to axe their way into the house. The only thing I could imagine then was my brutal murder soon to be carried out by the group. Images of my not so pretty battered and mangled corpse lying amongst the trashed contents of the house raced through my head. A minute later, I realised they were drunk men fighting over money that one of them had picked up. As the sound of the group faded into the distance, I let out a small chuckle, covered my self and went back to sleep.

Tolerance and acceptance: easier said than done.

My first seminar at work was a workshop on gay and lesbian issues. The conveners of the seminar wanted to sensitise the staff to the subject in preparation for an exhibition on the experiences of homosexual people in Johannesburg. Initially I thought the seminar would be boring but as it turned out, it became my first lesson on tolerance at the workplace. Before the seminar commenced, everyone appeared to be and claimed to be tolerant and acceptive of homosexuals.

The turning point came when a few minutes into the seminar, one staff member asked to be excused on the grounds that his culture did not allow him to engage in public discussions on sexuality. The silence that followed the request and the looks on peoples' faces said it all. The staff member's sentiments were shared by many. After much deliberation we all agreed he should be allowed to leave. The feel of 24 eyes all staring at him finally convinced him to stay (I suspect it was out of shame rather than anything else).

On thing that struck me through out the seminar was how most of those who claimed to be open minded and acceptive were in reality rooted in conditional acceptance. Many statements began with the following phrases; "Gays are ok, its just that they..." or "I have no problem with them as long as they...". Reference to homosexuals was through terms that were constantly 'othering'.

Later on when we went to lunch, it became clear that prejudices can not be done away with so easily. The very people who had argued for the fair treatment of homosexuals seconds before were now pointing out that they actually did not think homosexuality was normal. I was not surprised though, I had seen this often enough to know that peoples' feelings and their public statements are not necessarily the same. Tolerance and acceptance has to be about doing away with prejudices. Or, in the case of the sensitive staff member, realising that the work space calls for personal feelings and attitudes to be put aside when group work has to be done.

Artistic talents

Last week I went on a trip to the Artist Proof Studio that left me feeling very ordinary. My artistic abilities are virtually non existant so one can imagine how I felt when I found myself surrounded by great artists. I went there on a talent scouting mission, I was looking for young artists whose works are to be part of an exhibition. I was not very sure of the work I wanted to use so a co-worker suggested I try young artists; they are always full of bright ideas and willing to be given exposure. Since she was on her way to the Artist Proof Studios, she suggested I come along and have a look at the place. We were lucky for we found a class in session. We went around looking at their work. I was impressed by the students' works. I saw the most fascinating drawings and prints. Some of the work was rather abstract but some of it was realistic and it covered quite a wide array of contemporary topics and subjects. At the moment I am still looking around at different works but I am seriously considering some of the pieces that I saw for the exhibition.

Equality for all: 99 steps to go.

One of the bigest challenges facing South Africa today is creating an environment of tolerance and equality for all. The constitution, hailed as the best in the world, guarantees the rights of people from all walks of life. Unfortunately there is a huge difference between the words of the consitution and the reality on the ground. People are violated daily for being different and for choosing not to conform. They are killed for reasons ranging fom religious affiliation, nationality to gender. While the constitution celebrates diversity, there are some who see it as an enemy. Through the writing of the constitution, South Africa took the first step towards providing a place were everyone and anyone can be themselves. That step was the first of a hundred required. It is time South Africa started walking the last 99 steps towards realising the kind of society that the constitution aspires to create.

New intern

I recently started my internship at Constitution Hill and I must say, I am happy so far.I was rather surprised when I got the call informing me that I was to start my internship on the 5th of May because I expected the placement to take a while. My first day was amazing. I knew a bit about the place so the tour of the place really taught me a lot. As new staff members we, me and three other new ladies, were taken on a tour of the whole site. The tour took three hours because the site is huge. We had not been forewarned and we wore inappropriate shoes (high heels) so by the time the tour was over, we could not wait to take our shoes off. Apart from the pinching and burning of the shoes, we enjoyed the tour. The staff members I met on the first day were very receptive and friendly. Later on during the day I was taken to the offices were I would be working from. It is a neat, well light area and I was particulary happy about the light. Winter days can be dreary and the site of light always cheers me up. The other thing that I liked about the place is the fact that the offices are spread across different locations on the sight. Though one can simply phone an office if they wish to communicate, people often have to walk to other offices for things they need. I have not been exercising much so the walking will be good for my weight management. By the end of the day, I was more than convinced that I would enjoy my stay at Con Hill, gain valuable experience and look leaner by the end of my internship.