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"Time has been transformed, and we have changed; it has advanced and set us in motion; it has unveiled its face, inspiring us with bewilderment and exhilaration." |
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A Piece in the Puzzle
Saturday, June 12, 2010  Football and VuvuzelaWell now, I suppose this would be the first real post on the blog, but instead of telling you the intentions or goals of this blog I will jump right into it with a real post. As I'm sure most of you are aware, South Africa is hosting the football (soccer) World Cup, an event which is seen amongst much of the world as the pinnacle of all sporting events. I personally, have lived in South Africa all my life, through the racist oppressive apartheid government, through the revolutionary release of political prisoner Nelson Mandela and currently find myself in what has thus far been a decline in societies morale and hope. It's no secret that South Africa is heavily damaged by the excessive violence, government corruption and racism which plague the nation. While South Africa is branded as the 'rainbow nation', do not be fooled into thinking this means people of various colours get along for the most part, in fact quite the opposite. While there are those who have a positive outlook on things, much of the nation, especially the middle and upper class whites like to bitch and moan about every crumb in their bed- instead of being thankful they have a bed and the food to produce the crumbs- as many don't. But before I bore you with South African political history I will get straight to the point. The past few weeks have been simply amazing! I have seen the country become transformed from a nation of hate to one of excitement, joy and unity. Granted, one sporting event is unlikely to have a lasting influence on the trauma decades of oppression creates, but it can certainly help. Finding a patriot in South Africa is like finding an American who doesn't think African's ride elephants to work- rare. Do not get me wrong here though, I am no fan of blind patriotism or patriotism at all really but what I do believe in is optimism and unity. For this reason I've honestly almost had a tear in my eye over the happenings of the past odd week. It all started about 7 days ago, this was 5 days before the World Cup kick off. One began to notice flags on people's cars... Then a day later the flags had multiplied quicker than aids (bad taste?), and by Wednesday almost every second car driving around South Africa had a flag either protruding out it's window or attached to its mirror. Not only were people buying flags supporting South Africa, THEY WERE GETTING INTO THE SPIRIT! Something that I had never witnessed in this country before. Big fat Afrikaans men with khaki shorts and funny mustaches were even smiling and talking to petrol attendants about Bafana-Bafana (South African team) , others were walking about the streets sporting their 'official' Bafana-Bafana t-shirts. Once kick-off day had arrived (Friday) I stepped outside the office, at 1pm since we got off early to be allowed to go watch the opening ceremony and opening game on the television- I was greeted by a country I could truly be proud of. The vibe outside was incredible, people blowing their vuvuzela's down the roads, waving their flags, shouting, screaming and just having a good time! For the moment there were no colours, there were no religions, there was just us South Africans- united in a single moment. And nearly everyone was supporting Bafana-Bafana, and while being passionate and optimistic we were all realistic with South Africa being one of the lowest rated countries in football at the moment. But we pulled off a draw in the opening match! Against Mexico, a team ranked more than double South Africa. The World Cup is only 2 days in now, and the vibe is still very much alive and should South Africa advance to the second stages I think it will become even greater! I must point out that this post is not about football at all, it's about the way people can unite at any given time, should they find a common passion. No matter what happens from here on in, this is a time of my life that I will never forget. The critics, the pessimists and everyone who thought we couldn't pull it off... You were wrong! - Bryn |
Follow Aetas Velox Click here to follow us on blogspot Affiliates/Links Indiscreetkids Blog Bryn's Deviantart Kristiina's Deviantart Backstabber Extracts previous posts |
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