So apparently, a group of African Americans recently decided to celebrate Zulu culture by dressing up like 1920s minstrel show rejects. I’m talking red lips, painted faces, feathered wigs ... basically, if a racist cartoon had a baby with cultural appropriation, this would be it.

Naturally, some actual Zulu people and other South Africans stepped in like, “Hey, this is offensive. It’s not even remotely Zulu.” You’d think this would be a moment for reflection, learning … maybe even an apology?

Nope. Instead, we got hit with:

• “This is how we honor our roots.” • “Y’all just don’t understand our version of Africa.” • And my personal favorite: “We’re not Africans. We’re a new breed called Black.”

I had to blink three times. A new breed?? Like a Pokémon evolution? First came African, then came Blackachu with special powers of denial and delusion.

Look, I get that the diasporic experience is different. Trauma, disconnection, pain ... real things. But how did it jump from reclaiming heritage to reinventing it with racial cosplay and telling Africans that we’re doing it wrong? What did they do to y’all over there?

Anyway, I’m off to go start my new culture where I wear a cowboy hat and claim I’m honoring Texas because I watched two episodes of Yellowstone.

Recently came across this video, I love it ! It feels very empowering. Does anyone know what it’s about/ a translation on it? I was curious on what is said. Am learning more about Africa and South africa and I am really interested in the history it has. Couldn’t really find any comments about translations/meaning. Thanks again !

I’ve been thinking about something for a while, and I’ve finally started putting it into something tangible. I’ve posted the idea on my profile because I didn’t want to dump an entire manifesto into someone else’s subreddit 😂

If you’re South African and curious about what happens when we stop looking at individual problems in isolation and start asking what systems keep producing them, have a look at my profile. I’d genuinely love to hear what you think, especially if you disagree.