Africa:Culture, Identity and Globalisation
ZHEZHANG,XU (XXXZHE002)

ASSIGNMENT 1: RACE.


No human, no average normal human being like to be oppressed, feel oppressed or in any sense, feeling inferior towards another human being. Humans like being superior, feel superior. Naturally, racism and acts of differentiation seeps silently into the sub-consciousness of human society. When racism and acts of differentiation reaches a huge scale, an incredible social and political phenomenon appears. In South Africa, we call this phenomenon- Apartheid.

Of course, as I had mentioned earlier, that no human beings likes “being second” to another human. Thus, a black man’s anger and frustration towards such ridiculous system imposed upon them by a settler minority is understandable and a revolutionary struggle of the Blacks against the ruling white settlers is inevitable. Yet, this struggle seems to have being twisted, deluded by some white liberals and surprisingly, some “civilized and educated” black gentlemen and ladies. In the face of this situation, Black brother Steve Biko voices out.

What did Black brother say? Firstly, he points his finger at those hypocritical, guilt-stricken white liberals. Secondly- but by no means any less trouble to the struggle- he highlights those selfish, foolish and “SHAME-ful” blacks who would rather stand side by side with the common enemy(political) of the oppressed indigenous people.

In a world controlled and regulated by a system designed to one’s advantage and benefits, at the expense of others, no one (on the receiving end) would complain for a change. Not surprising when some would start feeling a little sense of guilt and tend to seek a comforting source of reasoning that they aren’t the “bad people”, that it is the government, it is the “people up there” is the mastermind. I wouldn’t blame the white liberals for not starting a revolution. Who would want to leave their comfort zone? Who would want to give up privileges that were bestowed upon them the moment they are born?

That’s the exact argument Mr. Biko is putting forward. The white “liberals” are simply guilt-stricken, over privileged bunch who are seeking to lessen their guilt so as to continue enjoy their status as “white people” in South Africa with a justified reason. These so called liberals are not truly integrating the black population into the white oriented society; they will always draw an invisible line and will immediately put their actions to a halt the moment they feel they are risking the protection and security of their status and privileges. How can we (indigenous people) place our faith and hopes on people who lack a sense of instinctive urgency and need for freedom?

Integration brought about by the white liberals are uncannily enforced by some “intelligent and articulate” blacks who feels that they are different from their fellow blacks peers. A simple feel of superiority mixed with a feeling of comfort felt when they are socializing with the power, the white people. They were slowly drawn to believe they are not as “black” as their fellow brothers, believed that they aren’t as oppressed as others. Brainwashed and comfortable, these people foolishly follow the white liberals, believing that one day things will change for the better. Just like their leaders (liberals), they too, sit in their own comfort zone; turning a blind eye to problems and hardships their fellow black brothers and sisters are facing every single day. Mr. Biko believed that they are the real immediate dangers to the struggle for freedom.

He believed that a TRUE integration should comprise of free participation by anyone in the society, catering for full and open expression of the self in a flexible society- chosen by the will of the people. The culture shall also not be determined by some settler minority, but by the majority group. Thus, as a truly African country, she should exhibit a culture based on African values and style.

The above is a statement made by Mr. Biko, stating that he would rebel against any forms of integration if it determines that the integrated race is to follow the culture and customs of the ruling race or a race of minority. This kind of integration is a sick and inhumane form of acceptance. I believed that everyone has the freedom to make choices about their life, everyone is equal under the sun, and everyone is equal under the Law.

There is a major difference between assimilation and true integration. Assimilation does the mixing of people of different races together in a common society, something that is only “for show”. A true integration brings everyone together, placing them equally in status; no one is of a higher position as a human being than the other. Everyone will have freedom to believe and do what they wish to do with their lives, religion and beliefs.

Personally, I do not believe that Steve Biko’s idealistic vision of a 100% true integration would ever be fulfilled. Yet I sincerely believe that a world needs such a person to stand up when all hopes are lost, when dignity were lost, when the world believes that one person doesn’t make a difference in politics. One person does make a difference if he/she wants to.

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Dear Xu,

You show a good understanding of Bikos position on racial integration. However, in explaining his arguments, you make many conjectures that Biko himself did not make and which you have not given any basis for. In academic writing, it is not ok to present popular or common knowledge(which is sometimes incorrect or prejudiced) as given. Also, although many of his arguments are applicable to today's context, remember that he was writing from within the context of Apartheid SA.

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