An exhibition featuring 18 South African artists has opened in the US, offering a nuanced portrayal of Afrikaner identity and challenging the dominant narrative that white Afrikaners are a persecuted people. The exhibition, titled "We Are the Good Guys," explores themes of violence, fear, segregation, identity, grief, and South Africa's complex history. Curator Johan Stegmann said the title was deliberately provocative, highlighting the complexity of Afrikaner identity.
The exhibition coincides with a planned display of 3,000 white crosses on Washington's National Mall to commemorate people killed in farm attacks. Stegmann noted that there are two different versions of the white Afrikaner experience being presented to the US public and government. While acknowledging that farm murders are a serious issue, Stegmann rejected the idea that violence against Afrikaners is separate from or greater than the crime and violence affecting all South Africans.
Stegmann said Afrikaner identity had become associated with a certain political narrative, particularly in the US. The exhibition aims to show that Afrikaners themselves hold a much wider range of views. Stegmann emphasized that the artists are not trying to erase the fears or experiences of white South Africans, but rather to present a more nuanced understanding of Afrikaner identity.
The exhibition is part of a larger campaign to challenge the dominant narrative about white Afrikaners in the US. Stegmann noted that certain groups are advancing the 'genocide' narrative in the US, despite knowing the truth. He argued that this narrative is being used to imply that a genocide is occurring in South Africa, without actually stating it.
One of the artists, Schalk van Heerden, is involved with a charity called the Foundation for a Safe South Africa, which will be planting 3,000 soccer balls in a township on the same day as the white crosses are displayed in the US. This initiative aims to make a positive impact in South Africa and promote a more nuanced understanding of the country's complex issues.
The exhibition and the charity initiative are part of a broader movement of white Afrikaners who are standing up and saying "not in my name." Stegmann emphasized that the artists are committed to promoting a more nuanced understanding of Afrikaner identity and challenging the dominant narrative that has been presented in the US.
The exhibition and the display of white crosses in the US highlight the complexities of the Afrikaner experience and the need for a more nuanced understanding of South Africa's history and identity. The artists hope that their exhibition will contribute to a more informed and nuanced discussion about Afrikaner identity and the country's complex issues.
Key points
- The exhibition "We Are the Good Guys" challenges the dominant narrative that white Afrikaners are a persecuted people in South Africa.
- The exhibition features 18 South African artists and explores themes of violence, fear, segregation, identity, grief, and South Africa's complex history.
- The exhibition coincides with a planned display of 3,000 white crosses on Washington's National Mall to commemorate people killed in farm attacks.
