Chapter 1: Encountering Perspectives

During my recent journey to L?i S?n, Kien Giang, Vietnam, I had the opportunity to meet María, a South African woman. I had anticipated an enlightening dialogue about race, assuming that her background as a white South African would make her open to discussing the complexities of racial identity and privilege. I thought she might share her experiences of grappling with her own privilege and the challenges that accompany such conversations.

With excitement, I initiated our discussion. “What’s it like being White in South Africa? What insights have you gained?” I inquired, hoping for a thoughtful exchange.

To my surprise, she replied, “I don’t identify as White; I identify as Afrikaans.”

Afrikaans, as defined by Britannica, is a West Germanic language that originated from 17th-century Dutch, shaped by the descendants of European colonizers, indigenous Khoisan peoples, and enslaved individuals in the Dutch colony at the Cape of Good Hope.

I was taken aback. How could someone from South Africa dismiss their racial identity? I found it hard to comprehend how she could navigate life in a country deeply affected by racial dynamics while seemingly overlooking them.

Feeling a sense of disillusionment, I chose to withdraw from the conversation. I lacked the energy to confront her about her privilege or to explain the realities faced by people of color. Engaging with her was disheartening, as she embodied the mindset of many who hold privilege yet remain oblivious to the struggles of marginalized communities.

Many white individuals claim there’s a lack of connection among them, but the truth is that white privilege creates an invisible bond.

Your Native Friend is a writer and artist who enjoys coffee with milk and a hint of brown sugar. She has spent the last six years traveling, residing in four different countries, and showcasing her art in various exhibitions across the globe, including Indonesia, Mexico, Italy, Argentina, Spain, Chile, and Peru.