Two years ago, I visited Cape Town, South Africa. While there, I made sure to take a tour of Robben Island. This is where Rolihlahla “Nelson” Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years following his armed rebellion against the oppressive white nationalist British government.
I decided to write about this tour now as an intentional juxtaposition to the coup attempt by white supremacists at the United States Capitol building last week. I felt covering this experience is particularly timely in the week before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as the historic second impeachment of Trump is underway, and the inauguration of Biden is next week.
I never wrote about this experience but I find myself thinking about Mandela and this tour often, especially since George Floyd’s murder in May 2020. I find myself thinking about racism and its history both at home and abroad. Read on to learn all about my experience touring Robben Island and to hear my reflections on current events.
I've decided to post something a little different this week in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States. It feels a bit tone deaf during this time to post about past travels of mine—a privilege I have as a White, middle class person.
Instead, I've decided to use this platform to raise awareness. I share some reflections on my observations of race globally, from Germany to South Africa. Mainly, I pause now to discuss anti-Blackness and racism. I also take this post to describe what you can do as an ally to racially marginalized groups within your own country, whether in the US or outside the US.
During my stay in Melbourne, I had one full day to see and experience the city. Considering it’s the “cultural capital” of Australia, there are many aspects of Melbourne life worth checking out. It’s famous for its dining experiences, sporting events, and proximity to the Great Ocean Road.
I ended up focusing on its art. And if the art is anything like my experience in Berlin, art always has something to say. Through Melbourne’s artistic highlights, including the street art, architecture, and music, I discovered both the controversial and the beautiful.
