Where I know from

We all have our own worldview, own unique way in which we perceive the world around us. These perceptions shape our realities. Stemming from the fact that each individual has their own individual rich and diverse background that moulds them.  In this blog, I will be touching on my own ethnic background, namely  Coloured and Cape Malay, giving some endogenous insights that has not only shaped my worldview but also holds the place from which I know from!

Coloured

Coloured, one of the most diverse ethic grouping on earth. Consisting of a mix or African,  European and Asian ancestry, making up a beautiful multiracial ethic group of people that is so individually unique. Different in their own way, although what stands out to me the most is how lively and a vibrant people they are as well as how creatively expressive they are. We can see this from their traditions such as the Kaapse Klopse held yearly in Cape town to their foods such as Bobotie and Koeksisters.  As colourful and interesting as their culture is, the people are no different. All this to say, being Coloured is coming from a lineage of being unique and having a colourful vibrancy about them, that is visibly seen within them, passing on from generation to generation and for me this liveliness and vibrancy definitely has shaped me and the place from which I know from.

Cape Malay

Cape Malay aka Cape Muslims, a ethnic group consisting of Muslim descendants from Asia with its culture deeply rooted in Asian, African and Dutch influences. Being a group of people, primarily following the Islamic faith, a lot of the religion has influenced their beliefs and way of being. My dad being Cape Malay and the vast majority of his life being a follower of the Islam faith, it has heavily influenced me and my sisters, especially due to the fact that we are women. Within the Cape Malay community a lot of emphasis is placed on conservativism and modesty, as well as making yourself small especially if you’re a women. There are roles and power Dynamics, men being the head of the household have more say, leaving women in a position of silence.

In conclusion I would say being Coloured is about being more expressive and Cape Malaysian more about bring conservative and being more minute and not to say it a negative thing, a lot can be learned from both groups and I would say they have immensely shaped me and where I know from.