Student to Student

An African-American In South Africa

By Natlaie McFarlin

I was shocked to discover that American culture is so pervasive in South Africa. The familiarity of it was comforting, but I also wanted to experience "Africa." Even though I tried to fight it, the media images of Africa so prevalent in our society were ingrained in my brain.

I was shocked and angered to find that the media had also taught South Africans a distorted view of African-Americans. The image of "the violent black male" represented in rap videos was almost all these kids had as a reference for blacks in America.

The majority of the people I encountered in urban and rural areas were very receptive and hospitable to me simply because I am a black American. People felt comfortable discussing issues of race and what their experiences would possibly be like as Africans in America. While I was volunteering at the U.S. Information Service in Durban, students asked me questions that I never heard them ask my boss. As an African-American, I was able to provide another face of America for the South African students who visited the center.

Overall, students of color can expect to have a good experience in South Africa simply because they are Americans. In general, an American is an American in South Africa.

NATALIE McFARLIN attends the Univ. of Michigan. Last year she interned with the U.S. Information Agency in Durban, South Africa.