Theroux on Southern Africa

epic000 · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 1

I think that Theroux makes a very good point in Dark Star Safari: that the relationship between the West and with Africa has always been one both of ignorance and of a self-serving attitude - from the colonial powers who forced their own culture and language on the native people and exploited the land and the people to the big game hunter who helicopters into the private game reserve to shoot his prize rhino to the missionary who ignores the indigenous religions and way of life spreading 'the gospel' more to satisfy their own piety than because the people of Africa want it.

That said, I think he gives South Africans a little too much credit. Most of the ones I met around Cape Town - admittidely, mostly White South Africans, and thus a small subset - were miserable and xenophobic. This despite the fact that their culture was mainly just a poor mix of American and European culture. Miserable little Afrikaaners sitting in shebeens in Stellenbosch felt they had nothing better to do in their lives but lecture me about America. How are these people any better or more interesting then the kids yelling muzungu at Theroux in central Africa?

SA-NAM · Joined: 20 Apr 2005 Posts: 4 Location: London

Although I agree with most of your first paragraph, epic000, I instinctively (as a little Afrikaner myself!) have to disagree with you saying that he gave us (South Africans) too much credit. And I say instinctively because Paul and I are only in Malawi now in Dark Star Africa.

I have to say, I can't wait to see what he has to say about my country, so I am going to stop typing now and return to the book!

In the mean time, watch this space!

Great book though!

SA-NAM · Joined: 20 Apr 2005 Posts: 4 Location: London

Well, I've finished the book and I must say, I was almost as sorry to finish it as Paul must've been to finish his trip! (Homesick in London!)

So, to respond to a couple of your comments, epic, yes, I actually agree with you about some of us Afrikaners being miserable. I also used to be one of those moaning about just about everything in South Africa, and how the country is going down the drain. It took a few years in a foreign country to make me realise that, hey, we are not doing too badly down there! Then again, I am one of the previously advantaged! That aside, I still think that, despite what some South Africans believe, the quality of life of a lot of the previously disadvantaged is becoming a lot better.

Which brings me to your second comment: South Africans getting too much credit. Predictably, I think that we don't get enough credit! The terrible AIDS statistic and the Zimbabwe situation, not to mention the crime rate, make a lot of people forget that White South Africa handed over leadership of the country without the civil war that was widely predicted. Equally, South Africa has now been a democratic country for ten years (with TWO different presidents!) without the large scale persecution of whites that was predicted by most white South Africans. For this, I think, ALL South Africans deserve much more credit than what we normally recieve!

In the midst of all this, we have an economy that is actually growing! Not bad for Africa!

seaborn · Joined: 29 Jul 2005 Posts: 4

I just finished reading Dark Star Safari in preparation for a trip to South Africa coming up next week. This is the 1st book I've read by Theroux and know it won't be the last. His journey was a courageous one - I couldn't put the book down. I'm going on a photo safari while in So Africa and I'll have more comments to make when I get back.

SA-NAM · Joined: 20 Apr 2005 Posts: 4 Location: London

Well Seaborn, enjoy your trip. You've probably chosen the best country in the world to go for a photo safari!

It is a country of contrasts in all senses, making it immensely interesting, exciting but also a little sad.

Have fun!

seaborn · Joined: 29 Jul 2005 Posts: 4

Hi:
Thanx for the reply - have you lived in SoAfrica? I see you're in London now? I'm in the PacNW of the U.S. And have been a sympathetic observer of the changes in SoAfrica since 1994. We have acquaintances in Cape Town who will be showing us the sites there & will be going on a Township tour with a Khosa guide.

SA-NAM · Joined: 20 Apr 2005 Posts: 4 Location: London

Born and grew up in Namibia(neigbouring country) but went to school and studied in SA before I came to London about 5 years ago.

London is great, and I especially enjoy the travelling that is so much easier, but I am still a South African by heart!

I am planning an overland trip by motorbike from London to Cape Town and that is why I read Mr. Theroux's book in the first place.

I am really interested to find out what you will think of SA. It is always interesting to hear all the conflicting opinions of foreigners, especially citizens of first world countries.

So, and I might be putting my foot in it, as a person that grew up in Africa, I feel that some of Mr. Theroux's more dangerous experiences might be a little exaggerated. But then again, don't argue with somebody who's been there and done it!

Enough from me, love to hear from you when you've been there!

seaborn · Joined: 29 Jul 2005 Posts: 4

Yes - isn't Namibia the Western desert region on the sea - didn't it also used to be part of South Africa?
I'm also a devotee' of Wilbur Smith's stories about SAfrica. I've also read general history and geography, including John Reader's "Africa - A Biography of the Continent." If you haven't already read it - do get yourself a copy.
I'm a retired teacher traveling with my teacher/daughter. My parents were immigrants to U.S. from former Yugoslavia & we will finish our trip abroad with a week in Croatia - and kour ancestral home on an island off the Dalmatian Coast.
This trip to SA is a very big one for us - a stretch - and I am thinking of writing some articles for possible publication. I always keep a daily journal while traveling.
We'll see what happens.
Thanks for your input. Very interesting - indeed!![/i]

seaborn · Joined: 29 Jul 2005 Posts: 4

I'm back - I just typed in a comment but it hasn't made an appearance yet. We returned 2 weeks ago. Spent 1 week on photo safari & then 6 days in Cape Town. I spoke to as many native Africans as I could - mostly the young people I met who were working at the safari location or in other service positions. I was impressed with all of them - for their cheerfulness of spirit & disposition; for their earnestness; for their indomitability. I think that country has real hope for the future - if only they can utilitize some of these willing & able new citizens.