Originally Posted by lotek
I didn't think an englesman could be a rooi nek.
englesman is semi-derogetory for englishman just as
dutchman is derogetory for boer (at least thats what I learned).
The funny thing is, when I got there (late 95), no one knew
what to expect (of the new gov't etc), or how to not be racialist,
we (the 'muricans) kept telling them they had a long way to go.
They never did figure it out, I liken it to U.S. mid 60's when it comes
to civil rights etc.
ah for a rooibos and koek sisters.
Marty
Actually the term "rooi nek" was coined by the boer militia during the Anglo boer war. It was a reference to how the english soldiers always burned red in the sun.
even today, 10.5 yrs after democrasy was voted in by a majority, the minority groups still don;t really know what it means to respect the cultures of others.
Granted this is not a problem unique to SA, but here we're still in denial.
Whats really great is too see the teenagers of today integrating in ways that my generation still hasn't quite got right.
Like you say, it'll take time. In 1994 i figured 20yrs would be a safe bet. I figure i wasn't to far wrong.
Rooibos and koeksusters, hmmmmm