Part
of my job is to dispel stereotypes. Myths about people. Americans,
certainly. But all groups of people. I want my kids [learners] to see
the different tribes, and ethnic groups, around them, and not judge
them based on the pre-formed opinions of others, but approach people
with an open curiosity that doesn't center solely on the geographic
origins of someone's ancestors, or the language that one speaks,
their physical characteristics, or their manner of dress. I want them
to to work to dispel the notions and assumptions that others have
given them, and navigate their own paths.
It
just kills me, then, when adults in this country continue to flock
toward what they know, or what they are comfortable with, and
reaffirm those stereotypes thoughtlessly. On one level, they understand
that it is racist bullshit that streams out of them a few hours into the
conversation – at the point which they've relaxed, and have started
philosophizing on the state of the world, and the country around
them. They start or end each statement with an apology or
qualification. They know they're pandering to ideas that have been
reinforced since childhood, and you see that faint glimmer when what
they're saying occurs to them as the hogwash that it is... And then
that moment that inkling dies, and they settle back into the comfort
of the persuasions they can't seem to shake off.
Namibia
has a diverse population. A couple million peoples from various and
diverse tribes that have lived here for thousands of years previous
to the attempts at colonization, and quite a few peoples from
assorted European backgrounds. They are your colleagues, your
neighbors, your family members. You only have ONE friend with
a different 'ethnic' background? Out of a couple million? This
doesn't strike you as odd? And this ONE is the exception to
the rule? What are the rules? Who made them up? Was it you? Why do
you still mind them?
Excuse
me while I smash my head against my keyboard. Repeatedly.
*This
tangent [rant] occurred to me after one of the numerous times I have been offered coffee by an Afrikaner who pointedly excluded the Namibian
standing next to me, who had been an equal part of the conversation,
from the invitation. Not to say all Namibians aren't prone to similar behaviour. They, too, often begin insulting diatribes regarding 'race' with,
“No offense to you,” when they get going..
Also,
I'm a little leery of invitations inside for a cup of coffee. In the
states, if someone asks you out (or in, as it were) for coffee, it's
often out of personal interest... Or a ploy for sex.
Ask
me over for a beer. I won't think you have a hidden agenda. Also, I'd just like a beer, thanks.