I wonder how Federation history books of the 24th Century would portray post-apartheid South Africa? Would they hail its newfound pride in its diversity as an early example of mankind's ability to unite despite difficult circumstances.
I personally think that the earlier supposition is the case. A country that had undergone centuries of colonialism then decades of apartheid is able to unite. I'm not glossing over the fact that it has and does have problems, namely the huge income disparities between blacks and whites that still exist, crime issues, and the massive AIDS issue.
I would say these are some cultural points Federation historians would find inspiring about South Africa:
1) The post apartheid anthem - It blends all the different languages of South Africa and even includes an integration of the previously banned
Nkosi Sikeleli Afrika ('Song of Africa') and integrates elements of Die Stem van Suid-Afrika ('The Call of Africa').
2) Like the United States, South Africa is a society that had the strength to begin and carry on a drive towards diversity and equality to all regardless of race after centuries of prejudice. (Note: I'm not arguing we don't still have problems, but compared to even decades ago minorities in both nations have more opportunity now than they did previously).
3) Reconciling the past and embracing the future - South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation hearings were considered by many to be a step forward in the human rights department for that country.
On the embracing the future front, I remember seeing a news clipping of Nelson Mandela wearing a Springboks Jersey and enjoying a previously white institution in South Africa. I recall a geography project as a middle schooler where I stated it was a symbol of post-apartheid South Africa.
Any thoughts?
I personally think that the earlier supposition is the case. A country that had undergone centuries of colonialism then decades of apartheid is able to unite. I'm not glossing over the fact that it has and does have problems, namely the huge income disparities between blacks and whites that still exist, crime issues, and the massive AIDS issue.
I would say these are some cultural points Federation historians would find inspiring about South Africa:
1) The post apartheid anthem - It blends all the different languages of South Africa and even includes an integration of the previously banned
Nkosi Sikeleli Afrika ('Song of Africa') and integrates elements of Die Stem van Suid-Afrika ('The Call of Africa').
2) Like the United States, South Africa is a society that had the strength to begin and carry on a drive towards diversity and equality to all regardless of race after centuries of prejudice. (Note: I'm not arguing we don't still have problems, but compared to even decades ago minorities in both nations have more opportunity now than they did previously).
3) Reconciling the past and embracing the future - South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation hearings were considered by many to be a step forward in the human rights department for that country.
On the embracing the future front, I remember seeing a news clipping of Nelson Mandela wearing a Springboks Jersey and enjoying a previously white institution in South Africa. I recall a geography project as a middle schooler where I stated it was a symbol of post-apartheid South Africa.
Any thoughts?
