| Culturalization |
| by: Prudence Matheula. 21. Sowetho. South Africa |
Zulu, Swati, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa moSotho, moTswana, moPedi lewena moAfrikaner ke sa lebale Legoa. South African, what a diverse society. and we should not forget: Hindi, Chinese, and Japanese Portuguese, French, Spanish Endless is the list. Remember Sign language too Numerous a people, yet one with civilization. That is what makes us proudly South African. United in diversity Yet we are still dissimilar What be the cause? Our culture? Define culture Being the second or maybe the third wife of a man Whom you have no affection for? Arranged to marry one I’ve never before laid eyes on? Personal privacy forcefully examined for approval by the community? Never voicing my views due to my femininity? Tolerating whatever treatment from my husband? Rape, abuse and adultery treated as private issues? No further education permitted? The kitchen, the washing, the cleaning, the children Those will be the subjects for attaining honors as a wife? Repeated efforts shall be made until an heir is born Or else an alternative shall be found? Who defines culture? What defines culture? Surely a woman cannot be that inferior Raising all her children to be beautiful women and respectable men Does she not at least deserve some recognition? The agony of labour The torture of abuse The anguish of being second best Mouth shut, opinions dismissed And yet… ...... yet she manages to keep that smile Still obedient And still manages to love And you call that MY culture? It is imperative to worship a high power Call it God. amadlozi. izinyanya. Allah. That I will do It is also principle to respect the elders Knowledge and wisdom they possess And that I will do It is crucial to have knowledge of my history Comprehension of my language and family tires That I shall willingly do Raising my children and making sacrifices to equip them with the best. The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these Without a doubt I shall definitely do Now that is MY culture My culture should acknowledge my uniqueness My culture should recognize my femininity as a souvenir My culture should respect and tolerate my opinions My culture should permit me to explore and excel in my talents I want my culture to allow me to be free I want my culture to let me be ME!!! |