Week 9: Class Top 10 List

I think this is a wonderful top 10 list because it encompasses so many different issues.  The Apartheid Timeline and the Power and Privilege definitions do a great job at helping us understand the history of apartheid and oppression that occurred in South Africa.  "Cape Town: Gangs, Race and Poverty 20 years after Apartheid" also helps explain why many black South Africans are still struggling to get ahead even though Apartheid has officially ended.  They have been oppressed for many years, so it is going to take some time to come out of that oppression and be able to truly better themselves with the opportunities that have been only been granted to white South Africans for such a long time.  "Here's how South African students talk about race and gender" does a good job of explaining the current situation so that we are really prepared to understand what the race relations are when we arrive in South Africa.  Coloureds were also harmed by the system of Apartheid, so I think "Not White Enough, Not Black Enough" does a good job of depicting what their struggles and frustrations are, especially since they are often overlooked by history, their own government, and the international community.  It also explains that race is not as simple as black and white, as many people tend to think of it as.  "South Africa Progressive on LGBT Rights but Gays Still Battle for Social Reform" and "Realizing Women's Rights in South Africa" are very informational.  Since the racial situation in South Africa is so complex and so urgent, we sometimes have a tendency to look past these other oppressed groups, such as homosexuals and women.  However, they are also fighting hard for their rights and their stories are inspiring.  Lastly, the Bucket List to visiting South Africa and Culture in South Africa mostly just got me really excited to be going on this trip.  They showcase South Africa's beauty and positivity.  We spend so much time talking about upsetting topics, sometimes I lose sight of the progress South Africa has made and how much the country has to offer.