Coming from North Carolina, I've become accustomed to questioning the actions and intentions of some people if I feel I'm being marginalized because of my race (or gender). With that said, I take that attitude from the states and magnify it by 100 here. Racism (and sexism) is in my face EVERYDAY! Its just the way things are here in South Africa, rural and urban.
Sunday morning I spent time at a used book stand. Cheap used books are my thing, so I took my time looking through them. After about 20 minutes, I ended up with three novels. One is about an ancient Christian relic stolen during WWII and the modern day recovery of the item. Another involves a murder-mystery during the Medieval Period in the town of Cambridge, England. And the third is an Anne Rice vampire novel (enough said). All three are decent sized. Between 300 to 400 pages (give or take), so nothing I plan to read in its entirety on a 30 minute taxi ride.
As I was paying for the books, one of the owners commented on how much I'm going to enjoy the stolen Christian relic novel. He really liked it and found it to be a good read. The man was very polite, white, and kind of hippy-ish. After saying such positive things about one of the books, he said "if I like these, then I'll probably enjoy a couple of other books he has". So, now I'm intrigued and I follow him over to another table.
He hands me two "thin" paperback books with black female characters on the front. The women are tall, shapely in the butt, small thin wastes, long braids, and wear tight clothing. The owner proceeds to tell me that he knows the two black South Africa female authors who wrote the books. They even personally signed his copies. "I figured you might be interested in these books, b/c ....well....you know....", he said. I cut him off with a polite smile so he didn't have to try to finish the sentence.
Since he was so polite, and in all honesty, meant well, I decided to indulge him and read the book summaries on the back. Both books revolved around the "Angry Black Women" themes of baby-daddy-drama, sex issues, and balancing work with it all. Both leading women in the books were single with children. One book used "slutty" to describe the intentions of the main character.
Its good to know that I can spend almost half an hour at a used book stand buying books that will peak my intellectual interests, to then have the owner hand me trashy dime books as a recommendation for "something I might be interested in". I mean seriously people......SERIOUSLY!?!?
Would the black owner of an African book store recommend his personally signed copy of Fabio's "Forbidden Love" (I made that up) to a white patron who is browsing the books in his store for biographies on great African leaders?
In the spirit of forgiveness and tolerance, I guess I should commend the white owner of the used book store for at least making an effort to bridge a gap by even suggesting a book for me....
....Or maybe I should be absolutely and unconditionally insulted by the fact that his attempt to bridge a gap involved belittling my intelligence and suggesting I'd prefer dime books about sex and baby-daddy-drama (maybe b/c the author is black) over a good long read about murder taking place in a kingdom during the Middle Ages of England, or armed forces trying to steal back a symbolically powerful Christian artifact during WWII?
The owner knows nothing about me or my background. I'm a history teacher. I studied Modern European, American, Classical, and Black American history for four years at university and taught United States History, World History, and World Religions for two. By default, that makes me a nerd, which I known and own. I like long boring books and movies that most of my friends would never read or sit through with me. Thats part of the isolation that comes along with being nerd.
But...
I wonder what the white owner saw when he looked at me spending that time at his book stand Sunday morning. Obviously something that lead him to believe I prefer books about raunchy sex, unhealthy relationships, and single-motherhood....
You know how I felt? Its as if I walked in there to buy an encyclopedia, but the owner felt I might like his latest pornographic novel since I had something in common with the characters and authors. You know.....being black an all.....
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Pension Day and Taverns
I'm surprised its taken me this long to mention Pension Day and Taverns.
On the third Thursday of every month; women, children, and magogos (way older women) head to a local soccer field in a nearbye village to receive their government "welfare" and/or "social security" checks. Men are present as well, but not in as large of numbers as the women and children. They'll pick up their checks, then buy goods (in bulk and on discount) sold out the back of trucks, or off colorful looking blankets on the ground. Stuff like chickens, fruit, vegetables, clothes
If the lack of students in the classroom or the bum-rush of women, children, and magogos doesn't alert you to Pension Day; then the activities at the Tavern will definitely give it away. By the time I'm walking home from school in the afternoon, I can hear the Tavern music. "Tavern Music" consist of several Akon and Lucky Duby songs (on repeat), or 2-3 house songs (on repeat).
I live on "the main dirt road" that runs through my village, and my house sits about 1/4 miles from the Tavern. A large woman named Alphavia (I'm not kidding) owns the joint. During the day, she sells chips (french fries) with a homemade chili sauce. Me and my host sister will make our way down there often. My sister, swears, Alphavia likes me more b/c she always gives me more chips. Ha!
So, on Pension Thursday, and every single Friday and Saturday night, the Tavern will begin its night of repetitive music and drunken debauchery!
On the third Thursday of every month; women, children, and magogos (way older women) head to a local soccer field in a nearbye village to receive their government "welfare" and/or "social security" checks. Men are present as well, but not in as large of numbers as the women and children. They'll pick up their checks, then buy goods (in bulk and on discount) sold out the back of trucks, or off colorful looking blankets on the ground. Stuff like chickens, fruit, vegetables, clothes
If the lack of students in the classroom or the bum-rush of women, children, and magogos doesn't alert you to Pension Day; then the activities at the Tavern will definitely give it away. By the time I'm walking home from school in the afternoon, I can hear the Tavern music. "Tavern Music" consist of several Akon and Lucky Duby songs (on repeat), or 2-3 house songs (on repeat).
I live on "the main dirt road" that runs through my village, and my house sits about 1/4 miles from the Tavern. A large woman named Alphavia (I'm not kidding) owns the joint. During the day, she sells chips (french fries) with a homemade chili sauce. Me and my host sister will make our way down there often. My sister, swears, Alphavia likes me more b/c she always gives me more chips. Ha!
So, on Pension Thursday, and every single Friday and Saturday night, the Tavern will begin its night of repetitive music and drunken debauchery!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Looking Forward
Once again, I've been MIA for a while. I have a bad habit of keeping up w/ postings, then falling off the face of the Earth for a while. Guess thats my way of keeping people always wanting more.
I was away from my village for about month while I traveled home to see my family and friends in America. Great vacation! By the time I returned home and got over jet lag, I was back on the road headed to work with a group of new trainees for a week.
Now I'm finally settled back in my village and looking forward to my major goals for my final year here. For starters, it feels REALLY good to say I have only a year of service left. I've made a nice life for myself, and its come to the point where my day's do not drag by. I've found myself very content and comfortable here. Its a good feeling, and I was never really expecting to feel this way after having a rough start (i.e. all of year one).
My Literacy classes at school are going very well. Several teachers have spoken to me about improvements they're seeing in the children. Several have even asked me to do workshops on the teaching styles I use! This truly surprises me, because for a long long long (long long) time, I couldn't get the teachers to approach me about anything. This was one of the main reasons I decided to work closer with the kids.
But now! Ha!
Now I'm planning on putting together a series of 1 hour workshops from a list of ten items or so that I came up with after speaking with the teachers. If they go well, I can present them to other teachers at surrounding schools. For a while now, I've been asked to come help other schools. This will be a good opportunity.
till next time, and hopefully sooner....
I was away from my village for about month while I traveled home to see my family and friends in America. Great vacation! By the time I returned home and got over jet lag, I was back on the road headed to work with a group of new trainees for a week.
Now I'm finally settled back in my village and looking forward to my major goals for my final year here. For starters, it feels REALLY good to say I have only a year of service left. I've made a nice life for myself, and its come to the point where my day's do not drag by. I've found myself very content and comfortable here. Its a good feeling, and I was never really expecting to feel this way after having a rough start (i.e. all of year one).
My Literacy classes at school are going very well. Several teachers have spoken to me about improvements they're seeing in the children. Several have even asked me to do workshops on the teaching styles I use! This truly surprises me, because for a long long long (long long) time, I couldn't get the teachers to approach me about anything. This was one of the main reasons I decided to work closer with the kids.
But now! Ha!
Now I'm planning on putting together a series of 1 hour workshops from a list of ten items or so that I came up with after speaking with the teachers. If they go well, I can present them to other teachers at surrounding schools. For a while now, I've been asked to come help other schools. This will be a good opportunity.
till next time, and hopefully sooner....
Monday, June 22, 2009
Double Funerals
Peace Corps is definitely a time for "firsts". I attended my first double funeral Saturday morning. Two young women in their 20s died last week from the #1 killer (or 2nd next to humans murdering humans) in South Africa: AIDS!
The women died on the same day, and were buried a few feet a away from one another. The crowds at the two services meshed together, sang the same songs, and listened to the same prayers by the preachers. It was a daunting experience. I stood their watching the sun come up over the mountains that highlight my village watching every single person in the crowd. Death is such a common component of life here. How can they stand it? I certainly can't. It breaks my heart. I haven't been to one funeral of a person who died of old age or just "natural causes". ALL have been for young adults in the prime, or pre-prime, of their lives.
One woman left behind three children; a baby under a year old, a young boy in Grade R, and a young girl in Grade 4. I teach the Grade R and Grade 4 children. When I went by their house to drop of plates for the reception after the funeral, the little boy (Thebogo) waved with a smile and said "Tama Tasha"! Ha.
I remember his name from the hundreds of other children because Thebogo was the name of a character in a book I read to the Grade R learners. When I asked the name of the little boy in the book, Thebogo raised his hand, smiled, and said "Thebogo!" His teacher smiled and said that was his name too. Thebogo got a sticker for answering the question right. He was happy to show it off to his friends.
It breaks my heart that these young children are motherless now. What I also think about now is the health of Thebogo and the baby......
I'm flying home Saturday to visit my family in America. Its so weird that I'll be able to step out of this world and my life here for three weeks.
Guess I'll see what happens....
The women died on the same day, and were buried a few feet a away from one another. The crowds at the two services meshed together, sang the same songs, and listened to the same prayers by the preachers. It was a daunting experience. I stood their watching the sun come up over the mountains that highlight my village watching every single person in the crowd. Death is such a common component of life here. How can they stand it? I certainly can't. It breaks my heart. I haven't been to one funeral of a person who died of old age or just "natural causes". ALL have been for young adults in the prime, or pre-prime, of their lives.
One woman left behind three children; a baby under a year old, a young boy in Grade R, and a young girl in Grade 4. I teach the Grade R and Grade 4 children. When I went by their house to drop of plates for the reception after the funeral, the little boy (Thebogo) waved with a smile and said "Tama Tasha"! Ha.
I remember his name from the hundreds of other children because Thebogo was the name of a character in a book I read to the Grade R learners. When I asked the name of the little boy in the book, Thebogo raised his hand, smiled, and said "Thebogo!" His teacher smiled and said that was his name too. Thebogo got a sticker for answering the question right. He was happy to show it off to his friends.
It breaks my heart that these young children are motherless now. What I also think about now is the health of Thebogo and the baby......
I'm flying home Saturday to visit my family in America. Its so weird that I'll be able to step out of this world and my life here for three weeks.
Guess I'll see what happens....
Friday, June 5, 2009
What's a Dictionary!?!?!?
"What is a dictionary?" .....silence
"What do you do with this book?" (teacher points to dictionary).....silence
"What is IN a dictionary?" ......silence
I spent the first 15 minutes of my Grade 6 class yesterday trying to explain what a dictionary is. I wanted to make sure the kids understood the words "mystery and crime" before we jumped into reading "The Mystery of the Broken Window" story that I did with Grade 7 earlier this week. Grade 7 knew what a dictionary was for, and could even find the two words (mystery and crime) very quickly. Grade 6 on the other hand......
I was so surprised that they had NO CLUE how to use the dictionary (Sotho to English), that I become frustrated. I tried not to show it, but their teacher (who, in her defense, is sick w/ the flu) was uninterested and didn't seem to notice I was struggling.......struggling really really bad!
I wish I could yell, scream, and stomp my feet at the teachers and school administration: "How do your students not know what a dictionary is?!?!"
So now I'm putting together a "This is a Dictionary" lesson plan for my grade 6 learners. I'll probably play it safe and do this lesson with Grade 4-7. Might as well....
"What do you do with this book?" (teacher points to dictionary).....silence
"What is IN a dictionary?" ......silence
I spent the first 15 minutes of my Grade 6 class yesterday trying to explain what a dictionary is. I wanted to make sure the kids understood the words "mystery and crime" before we jumped into reading "The Mystery of the Broken Window" story that I did with Grade 7 earlier this week. Grade 7 knew what a dictionary was for, and could even find the two words (mystery and crime) very quickly. Grade 6 on the other hand......
I was so surprised that they had NO CLUE how to use the dictionary (Sotho to English), that I become frustrated. I tried not to show it, but their teacher (who, in her defense, is sick w/ the flu) was uninterested and didn't seem to notice I was struggling.......struggling really really bad!
I wish I could yell, scream, and stomp my feet at the teachers and school administration: "How do your students not know what a dictionary is?!?!"
So now I'm putting together a "This is a Dictionary" lesson plan for my grade 6 learners. I'll probably play it safe and do this lesson with Grade 4-7. Might as well....
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Kid Detective Sipho Mashile
For a few months now, I've been using Shel Silverstein poems with my grade 5-7 learners. We've worked on reading aloud, comprehension, vocabulary, and rhyming. Things went pretty well, but I could tell the kids still "didn't get" what they were reading. The poems were meant to be fun and imaginative but the kids (and teachers, might I add) were taking them literally. So that sucked all the fun and cuteness out of Silverstein's poems. Ha!
This week I took a different approach with building comprehension skills. I wanted to have an lesson that actively encouraged the kids to "think outside the box", use their imaginations, and build the skills necessary to decipher the English they read into something they actually understand.
This is where Kid Detective Sipho Mashile comes in.
I searched the Internet for short and easy to solve kid mysteries. After "Africanizing" (yep...just coined new word) the character's names and locations, as well as simplifying the language, I came up w/ a cute mystery (The Mystery of the Broken Window) that would engage the kids but also encourage them to understand the story so they can solve the crime.
I set up 6 tables around the library (I call these stations, and use this method often). Each had a copy of the story and two questions. They had five minutes at each station to answer the questions, which lead them in the right direction to solving the crime (i.e. clues). Once every group made it to all stations, we came back together as a class to actually solve the crime. It took ALOT of acting out on my part, but before I almost gave the answer away, a learner figured it out! It was great!
The kids got into it, and I saw several boys who are a part of my "Too Cool for School" crew engaged in the story and trying to figure out the mystery.
Anyway, Kid Detective Sipho Mashile is going to make a recurring appearance during Library Time from now on.
This week I took a different approach with building comprehension skills. I wanted to have an lesson that actively encouraged the kids to "think outside the box", use their imaginations, and build the skills necessary to decipher the English they read into something they actually understand.
This is where Kid Detective Sipho Mashile comes in.
I searched the Internet for short and easy to solve kid mysteries. After "Africanizing" (yep...just coined new word) the character's names and locations, as well as simplifying the language, I came up w/ a cute mystery (The Mystery of the Broken Window) that would engage the kids but also encourage them to understand the story so they can solve the crime.
I set up 6 tables around the library (I call these stations, and use this method often). Each had a copy of the story and two questions. They had five minutes at each station to answer the questions, which lead them in the right direction to solving the crime (i.e. clues). Once every group made it to all stations, we came back together as a class to actually solve the crime. It took ALOT of acting out on my part, but before I almost gave the answer away, a learner figured it out! It was great!
The kids got into it, and I saw several boys who are a part of my "Too Cool for School" crew engaged in the story and trying to figure out the mystery.
Anyway, Kid Detective Sipho Mashile is going to make a recurring appearance during Library Time from now on.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
African Winters
**Let me start off by clarifying that I will settle for an "African Winter" over an "African Summer" any day!**
The weather in my region has never been normal. Everything here is exaggerated...
We don't have breezy days, we have monsoon type winds that cause ridiculous dust storms. Its like I'm living in the Dust Bowl in 1920s [history reference :)]
We don't have have light drizzles on a cloudy day, we have torrential rainfall that makes a trip to the pit toilet a physical act only a well trained athlete can survive.
We don't have nice warm days in the summer, we have heat that causes a person to suffocate inside or outside at all times of the day!
And now, I'm getting a taste of what Winter will be like. I say "will be", b/c its not even Winter yet. As I type right now, my fingers are numb. My tin roof has a way of keeping all the coldness inside the house, and any warmth from the sun outside. At night I'm wrapped up like a burrito. I've already decided to invest in a small electric heater when I return from the States.
I never ever ever imagine it could get so cold in South Africa. I didn't come prepared.
oh well, now I know....
The weather in my region has never been normal. Everything here is exaggerated...
We don't have breezy days, we have monsoon type winds that cause ridiculous dust storms. Its like I'm living in the Dust Bowl in 1920s [history reference :)]
We don't have have light drizzles on a cloudy day, we have torrential rainfall that makes a trip to the pit toilet a physical act only a well trained athlete can survive.
We don't have nice warm days in the summer, we have heat that causes a person to suffocate inside or outside at all times of the day!
And now, I'm getting a taste of what Winter will be like. I say "will be", b/c its not even Winter yet. As I type right now, my fingers are numb. My tin roof has a way of keeping all the coldness inside the house, and any warmth from the sun outside. At night I'm wrapped up like a burrito. I've already decided to invest in a small electric heater when I return from the States.
I never ever ever imagine it could get so cold in South Africa. I didn't come prepared.
oh well, now I know....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)