I like Coconuts, but I didn't know I am one

I'm enjoying South Africa. It has been a dynamic year with plenty of small exchanges that add to the big picture! I mentioned in an earlier blog that I'm often mistaken for being local. I've managed to learn hello, "sawubona" and how are you, "wena unjani?" and I am still well "nami ngisphila." Initially I picked up the greetings from listening to people greet me daily and responding, "English please" or "Hello, how are you?"

I'm now taking language classes and my pronunciation is improving as well as my vocabulary. The class is multinational and my classmates are very friendly. As we sat waiting four our instructor on day one, we shared our reasons for being in ZA and why we were in the class. Before I could even explain 2-3 people said I bet people come up and speak to you all the time in local languages, what do you do? How do you handle that?

I explained that their guess was the main reason I was taking classes. I need to be able to communicate just a little even if only to say, would you mind speaking English.  I consider it a compliment that I'm often thought of and mistaken as an ethnic [black] South African- some have said I look like a Zulu others have claimed me as Xhosa. What others haven't said but imply is that I am a coconut. I like coconuts, I eat them and I have to steer clear of Almond Joys when I am home. What is a coconut? A loose explanation is a Black/indigenous South African who has dismissed their mother tongue and ethnicity for a majority/western or white orientation and behavior.

Now I really find this funny. Really funny, because a few of my close friends at home say that Africa is my second home, a few jokingly refer to me as "Mother Africa" and one of my sisters has said to me "You love going over there don't you" just about every time I've headed this way. Let me clarify, I've only been to Africa three times. I was born and raised in the USA, so were my parents and my parents' parents. I'm American, but as a black American who works with black youth I embrace Africa as part of our roots and legacy. I study the African Diaspora and I have a keen interest in studying racism. Racism is not relegated to the USA but since I am from there and I experience it often that is where most of my work and interest lie. At home some of my friends and family tire of me talking about my work, our culture or the need to address inequities we experience as a result of our blackness-persistent and present racism. 

Now that I'm in language class, I'm happy to be learning the local language, but even there I couldn't escape being a coconut. I was the first person the instructor spoke to in isiZulu and the first to respond with a blank stare and begin to guess what she was saying (what is your name?) when she said "oh I thought you were from here..." The class and I shared a collective laugh as we had just had this conversation.

I am American and I am African. During my international travels I've come to recognize that more and more. It is amazing to see the culture connections that have withstood time, distance, and broken communication between African Americans and Africans.  In Namibia I was served the five year plant which is what we refer to as collard greens, I've eaten my share of Pop or Ungali as it is called in Kenya which is very similar in texture and taste to grits African Americans eat at home. In the US black folks shake hands-giving soul shakes that are identical to standard greetings I've experienced in each of the African countries I've traveled. When you greet in isiZulu you greet by saying "Sawubona Bruti" or "Sawubona Sisi" At home there are some African Americans who do the same- Hello Sister or Hello Brother. 

 As an Ambassadorial Scholar I am happy for the cultural exchange and the increase in invitations to have tea or come by for dinner.  As an African American I am thrilled about the exchange-learning about the differences and intriguing similarities in culture. I can't wait to speak with someone from home to describe the dance I just saw and how it is identical to something we do at home 8000 miles away. I'm happy to say there are plenty of big bums to go around it isn't just me and a few African Americans but it is the majority of the population and that a shapely body is cause for celebration. At the end of these conversations and at the end of the day I'm hopeful for the future of the African Diaspora. I enjoy this part of my duties.

Pretty soon I'll be able to hold a basic conversation in isiZulu. I'll be able to chat with those people who assume I'm a coconut and walk away from me with a "tsk tsk tsk, shame" look on their faces. Although I'll remain an African American and most likely a coconut, having those conversations will provide an opportunity to engage in dialogue that leads to additional cultural exchange and mutual understanding.