South Africa
South Africa, one of the most beautiful places in the world. A diverse country with many languages and cultures. A beautiful country with some of the most breathtaking natural scenery there is on this planet we inhabit. Despite all of this, there's a darkness that looms over the country in both its past and present History. This darkness is Racism. A darkness that has proven to be a difficult obstacle for the countries citizens to overcome. Will this darkness end up victorious? Will this darkness end up destroying a country with so much potential?
If you know your History, you've probably heard of Apartheid. This was a sadistic time of oppression, racism and cruelty towards the majority of black South Africans, who Historically were the first to arrive in South Africa.
The media's and governments influence on its citizens in South Africa
Despite the past tension between black and white, Afrikaans and Xhosa, by paying attention to the media and the current government in power it doesn't take a Historian to understand that History might be repeating itself. The media is quick to report on racial incidences that happen in the South African society. Recent events include an incident at a local Spur as well as a local KFC. This caused a lot of tension, especially on the social media platform Facebook. I, myself have read some of these horrid comments of open racism between black and white individuals on Facebook which saddened me to my core.
The current South African government, the ANC, under the leadership of president Jacob Zuma is also quick to use the race card as a divide mechanism between citizens of the country. A few months ago, there was a march against Jacob Zuma. People from around the country, black and white, came together in harmony to protest against him, asking that he leaves office and steps down as the president of South Africa. When asked about these protests against him, he was quick to use the racism card. Here is a report on the issue - ZUMA MARCHES AGAINST HIM WAS RACISM
This begs the question, what is different from the governmental tactics of divide used during Apartheid South Africa to present day South Africa?
Adding to this tension, there are currently white supremacists launching small training camps in preparation of what they believe to be a civil war on the rise.
Here is a video from YouTube depicting the nature and mindset of these camps and the people who are in them: