In our recent
classes with Marita, we have watched all three parts of Race: The Power of an Illusion, a documentary series that dissects race in the United States in a way
that many, including myself, have not heard before. The videos allowed me to draw
comparisons between the United States and South African governments, like how
they each passed laws that disfavored certain races while allowing others to
flourish. Moments like these have helped me realize that these two countries
that are 8,000 miles apart are actually more similar than I had previously thought.
However, the two
also have differences that cannot be ignored. Besides more obvious differences
attributed to climate, language, or demography, I have noticed that one of the
starkest contrasts between our cultures involves religion. Religion appears to
be so ingrained in public life here in Cape Town. People regularly ask that
“God bless you” if you buy from their shop or give them money, and patients at
the clinic are constantly telling me and the sisters that God is responsible
for their good health or their recovery from a particular ailment.
Capetonians also
seem to be very open to discussing their beliefs. During one of my first days
at Tafelsig, I had a conversation about religion with some staff members in
response to a preacher reading to the waiting room and leading them in song. When
I told them that a public display of faith such as this would be met with irritation
or sideways glances in the United States, they could hardly believe it. To
them, their beliefs are very much a part of their character and they feel that
they should not have to hide them like we do in the United States. The fact
that we were able to have a civil discussion without judging or resenting one
another after having just met illustrates that religion is perceived in a
different light here. For another example of a religious discussion at an
internship site, you can read one of Drew’s recent blog posts: Drew's
education extends far beyond the classroom.
In addition to
the preacher who has come twice to Tafelsig, I have been exposed to two other
services since being here in Cape Town, neither of which were the denomination
I belong to at home. Nonetheless, I have loved experiencing this aspect of
South African culture. The uplifting, lively, and energetic service in
Gugulethu was a nice change from the solemn masses I am accustomed to
attending. The churchgoers raised their voices in song and filled the aisles
with dance seemingly whenever they felt like it. Though almost the entire
service was performed in Xhosa, I could not help but do my best to hum along to
the rhythm.
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| Sivuyile United National Baptist in Gugulethu |
On Ash Wednesday, Sister Castle arranged for Derek, Abby, Paige, and I to attend a service and get our ashes at her Anglican church. Conducted in English and much more formal, this mass reminded me of the Catholic masses I am used to. Like in Gugulethu, I tried to sing along to the psalms and participate like the parishioners did. In both instances, the locals openly welcomed my classmates and me, just as Capetonians have wherever we have gone.
In a good way, I
have found that these religious experiences have challenged some of my previous
attitudes about faith. As I continue to explore these thoughts and feelings, I
will readily embrace the positive vibrations that come from these interactions.
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