My Black is Beautiful! – Part Two

I would love to share my personal experiences with racism.

The Echoes of Prejudice: Confronting Individual Racism in Society

In the intricate mosaic of human interaction, individual racism stands out as a stark reminder of the prejudices that divide us. It's the personal, often intentional, acts of discrimination based on race, enacted in our daily lives. This article aims to dissect the anatomy of individual racism, examine its profound effects on society, and chart a course towards personal transformation and societal reconciliation.

Unpacking Individual Racism: A Personal Journey Towards Understanding

As I delve into the complexities of individual racism, I'm confronted with a stark reality: it's a pervasive issue that exists in both overt and covert forms. It's not just the explicit hate speech or physical violence that we often associate with racism; it's also the subtle microaggressions and unchecked biases that quietly, yet powerfully, perpetuate stereotypes and discrimination. My aim here is to explore these manifestations and consider their profound implications, not just for those directly affected, but for society as a whole.

For me it started with my name, I am not sure if any of you have ever noticed that my name is German and misspelt? Let me explain how an African woman from Zimbabwe ended up with a misspelt German name, it should be Gertrude and not GETRUDE. My grandmother used to say that when I was born I was so tiny I could fit into the palm of her hand, and that’s why she affectionately nicknamed me Kadiki which means ‘tiny’.????????

She told me she fell in love with me instantly, and I with her. Grandparents always have their favourites and I was hers and she made no secret of it to the day she died. I was very close to my grandmother and I do believe she was my twin soul, and so I was named after her; her name was Getrude too. The naming of a child is crucial in Africa. Many African names are not just words, they are full sentences, which capture the essence of the times that surround the birth of that particular individual. My grandmother said she called me Getrude because she wanted to pass on a little of herself to one of her grandchildren. Through me, her name and memory will never die.

She grew up in a Catholic orphanage and was named by a German monk and never had an African name other than her totem or clan name, which was Madube, the Shona word for zebra, and this was the name she was called by. My parents decided to give me two African names. Ruwadzano, which means ‘harmony' and Munyaradzi means ‘the comforter’.?

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Until quite recently most African people had to have a ‘Christian name’, mainly because our colonial masters and our teachers were too lazy to pronounce names like Ruwadzano or Munyaradzi. And so Getrude has been my name and the other two, unfortunately, have never been used officially outside my family circles. People of colour take the time to learn how to pronounce foreign names out of respect for the other, a luxury we are not given in return. I believe that there is nothing as sweet as the sound of your name on someone else's lips.

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I have never had my name corrected because in my culture a person is remembered through the grandchildren and through me my grandmother's memory will live on forever.

The Echoes of Prejudice: The Impact on Victims and Society

The repercussions of individual racism extend far beyond the immediate harm done to individuals; they ripple through our communities, reinforcing divisions and stunting collective progress. It's a burden that weighs heavily on the psychological, emotional, and economic well-being of those who experience racism firsthand. As I reflect on these impacts, it becomes clear that the scars left by racism are not only deep but also contribute to the broader social fabric's fraying edges.

Personal Reflections: Stories of Encounter and Change

Sharing stories from those who've encountered individual racism, as well as from individuals who've recognised and addressed their own racist behaviours, has been a profoundly humbling experience. These narratives are not merely accounts of suffering and redemption; they are testimonies to the human spirit's resilience and capacity for growth. They remind me that change is possible, and healing can be achieved, but it requires introspection, acknowledgment, and a commitment to do better.

My father got a scholarship to study in London in 1967, he took his young wife and they shared one scholarship. My dad became a chartered accountant and my mother a nurse. I was left with my grandmother at the age of six months (The photo above) and my sister and I lived with my grandmother until I was three when my parents saved enough money for us to join them in the UK. In 1973, I was six years old; we returned to Rhodesia, and going back home was interesting. I remember when we arrived back from London we drove to the village to see my grandparents, and it looked like something from another planet. I remember thinking, how could people live like this? There was no running water and if I needed the toilet I had to go to the bush and use those great big hairy leaves my grandmother thought were toilet paper to clean myself. I was soon reunited with all my cousins and friends, but now they all seemed so uncivilised and dirty. The children walked around with no shoes and their clothes looked worn out and tattered. And their hair was rough, coarse nappy hair; unkempt and unstrengthened, in contrast to my sister’s and my shoulder-length, hot-combed, straightened hair. All our cousins envied us because we had lived overseas and spoke perfect English and that made us appear more intelligent.

??????????? My uncle Christopher, my mother’s only living brother, would take me to the mission school where he used to teach, and show me off to all his friends and the parish priest. I remember all the teachers crowding around me when I spoke to them in English. I remember, too, the look of pride in my uncle’s eyes when he saw their amazement and admiration as I answered with confidence all the questions the parish priest asked me. The teachers at the school crowded around me and asked the most obvious questions, like “What is your name?”

??????????? “My name is Getrude Bere,” I answered confidently in perfect English.

??????????? “How old are you?” someone else would ask.

??????????? “I’m six years old,” I would reply.

??????????? “Who is your grandmother?”

??????????? “My grandmother is Getrude Bopoto.”

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And so the questioning would continue. I was sure they knew the answers but the fascination was in hearing me speak English so fluently and without an African accent, for I could speak the Queen’s English. One day one of the teachers said, “Boy, if you closed your eyes you would think she was a white kid,” and everybody laughed. And so I became the white kid trapped in a black skin. When I look back now, I must have seemed like an alien returned to this small, quaint African village.

The way I speak and articulate the English language however, has truly opened a lot of doors for me. People perceive you differently if you can speak their language fluently. I have seldom gone into a job interview and not got the job.

Facing Our Reflections: Recognising and Challenging Our Own Biases

One of the most challenging steps in confronting individual racism is recognising our own biases. It's a journey I've embarked on myself, learning to identify and challenge the prejudiced thoughts and actions that I once believed were harmless. This process of self-reflection is uncomfortable and often confronting, but it's essential for personal growth and for fostering a more inclusive society. The path to overcoming these biases is fraught with challenges, yet it's a necessary part of dismantling the structures of racism that persist in our interactions.

EXAMPLES of my own biases

• Confirmation Bias: I tend to only notice information that agrees with my beliefs, ignoring evidence to the contrary.
• Stereotyping: I sometimes assign generalised traits to people based on their group, like race or age, without seeing their individuality.
• In-group Bias: I prefer people who are part of my group, whether it’s based on race, religion, or hobbies, which can lead me to exclude others.
• Availability Heuristic: I judge the likelihood of events based on how easily examples come to mind, which can distort my perception of reality.
• Implicit Bias: I have unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that influence my decisions and actions without me realising it.
• Anchor Bias: My first impression or piece of information overly influences my decisions, even when better evidence is available later.
• Self-serving Bias: I credit myself for my successes but blame external factors for my failures, not always seeing the full picture.

Bridging Divides: Fostering Empathy and Unity

Creating spaces for understanding and empathy between people of different racial backgrounds is crucial for overcoming the barriers erected by racism. Through engaging in open and meaningful dialogue, educating myself and others, and striving to build communities rooted in respect and equality, I've seen firsthand the power of connection and unity. These efforts are not just about addressing the symptoms of racism but about healing the divisions it has caused.

Empowering Change: Resources and Actions for a Better Tomorrow

In my journey towards racial justice, I've discovered a wealth of resources that have informed and inspired my actions. Books, documentaries, organisations, and online platforms have all played a role in broadening my understanding and guiding my activism. Sharing these resources is my way of empowering others to join the fight against racism, equipped with knowledge and a determination to make a difference.

A Personal Call to Action: The Path Forward

Concluding this exploration with a call to action, I find myself reflecting on the responsibility we all share in eradicating racism. It's a journey that begins with individual accountability and extends to collective action. While individual racism may seem like a personal issue, overcoming it is a shared endeavour that demands empathy, courage, and unwavering commitment. As we move forward, let us all pledge to engage in this critical work, not just for our own sake but for the sake of a more just and equitable world.