The burden of individuality

After meeting with an expert on discrimination earlier this year, I came to understand that it's actually becoming increasingly difficult to be politically correct these days, and the feelings that come with being born post-apartheid era as a white male in this day and age can become morally deconstructive if I allow myself to dwell on concepts such as privilege, traditionalism, or minority.

It does not serve neither myself nor the public for me to feel guilt for being born, nor does it permit me to carry an attitude of envy or indignation towards those who find themselves part of the majority.

To become comfortable with my Caucasian status came with a great deal of self-exploration coupled with educating myself on the historical background of South Africa. While studying International Relations at the University of Stellenbosch; I was a witness to radical politically-charged movements from both white and black student groups, and I was interested in the attitudes of those involved, with special attention being pointed to the idea of exclusivity.

Being exposed to conflict among race groups and seeing the fervent disapproval that the wise leaders of the university displayed towards violence of any kind was reaffirming. Whilst I was observing these kinds of demonstrations, I was moved to see how pervasive the words of a mob can be, how the seductive whisper of a group of people who look like me could tear me away from my morality and my experience of a loving hate-free South Africa.

Finding who I was could only proceed the process of becoming okay with what I was, acknowledging the facts and coming to terms with my own insecurities, humbling myself and seeing that in many cases the culture of fanatic exclusivism only served to distract me from myself and since distancing myself from studying politics and perusing a degree in Sound Production, I have found that I have ostensibly not changed my field of study in too much if a major way.

I'm now in a field where I must create authentic music that is socially interesting and authentically African. Without coming to truly know who I am as a person, how can I aspire to relate to society appropriately Furthermore, how can I hope to inspire change in a society from which I cannot understand

I think the burden of being an artist by nature is made heavier by capitalism and consumerism in general, and the disconnect between materialism and spirituality which has found new victims, here in Africa. Add a history of political and social inequality and injustice and what we have today is a plethora of styles and subcultures.

I've found the stoic principle of knowing myself needs to be balanced with the idea of community, the concept of symbiosis between being an individual and being a part of society.