Artificial walls

More about the book

This book provides deep insights into perceptions of conflict in South Africa through the recollections of individuals from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The author presents around one hundred interviews that reflect diverse attitudes towards social changes in post-apartheid South Africa. Unexpected statements, particularly regarding the persistence of internalized apartheid, are meticulously analyzed and interpreted. Initial assumptions may suggest similarities among the narratives; however, it becomes evident that each interview is distinct, creating a unique dynamic between the interviewer and interviewee. This invites readers to engage repeatedly with the spoken and analyzed words. The extensive field research conducted from 1999 to 2004 highlights the author's commitment to understanding the interviewees' perspectives. Beyond its research contributions, the book enhances cultural competence for readers interested in contemporary South African cultural standards. It allows readers to appreciate how people in South Africa embody a unique and dynamic expression of “unity in diversity.”