Vacation Time

Hello friends!

Sorry it's been so long since I've last updated you. I am happy to say that I have officially finished my third course, Research Methods, and have only one course left before I begin working on my thesis!

Today actually marks the beginning of a two month vacation for me, which I am incredibly excited about! I will be leaving tomorrow morning to go on a short road trip with some friends around the Eastern Cape. We are heading to a place called the Karoo, and according to the genius that is google images, this is apparently what the Karoo looks like...



I am obviously pretty pumped about the opportunity to visit such a beautiful place! And I have to give major props to South Africa for having, quite possibly, the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen. In fact, in South Africa, the countryside is called the veld (pronounced 'felt'). Just an interesting little fact which may come in handy on a future Jeopardy episode.

I am hoping to have several opportunities to travel during the June/July break, so I will definitely keep you all informed about my adventures. Also, this July, Grahamstown is hosting the Arts Fest, which is the biggest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere! I am looking forward to it all as my brain is totally ready for a break!

I hope you are all doing wonderfully in the States!
B

PS - For my next blog, I was thinking about making a video blog answering any questions you all might have! So if you have any burning inquiries about South Africa, the culture, the food, Rhodes University, or one of the many recent events where I have made a complete doofus out of myself, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. I will be sure to answer them in my upcoming super hip vlog.

PPS- In other random news, I have recently discovered that mixing coffee and tea together is really tasty. I call is 'cea' (pronounced key) and I am pretty sure it's going to be the next big thing. Copyright. There, now proof exists that cea was my invention. All royalties will benefit the "Brittany Wants to go to Uganda Fund".

One In Nine

Hello friends!

I am currently in the thick of my Research Methods course and as nerdy as it sounds (though I doubt my nerdiness is even remotely shocking), I have recently realized that I am a super huge fan of qualitative research! In fact, I am considering introducing a qualitative research component into my thesis, and though I have not nailed down my topic, I will be sure to let you all know how my thesis proposal progresses.

I have also been trying to stay busy by involving myself on campus and in the community. Last week, I took part in the national One in Nine Campaign. Here is a little information about the campaign:

"The One In Nine Campaign was established in February 2006 at the start of the rape trial of Jacob Zuma (the recently elected president of South Africa), to ensure the expression of solidarity with the woman in that trial as well as other women who speak out about rape and sexual violence. The Medical Research Council (MRC) study on sexual violence (2005) indicated that only one out of every nine South African rape survivors report the attack to the police. This statistic prompted the name: “One In Nine”. Furthermore, statistics indicate that of the cases that do reach the courts, less than 5 % of the rapists are convicted. This highlights the serious need for reform of the institutional framework for responding to women who speak out. The Campaign aims to mobilise support for survivors of sexual violence; to educate and change attitudes about sexual violence and to monitor the criminal justice system and court processes in rape cases."

Throughout the week there were several events, protests, and seminars intended to educate and empower the public. The campaign culminated in a day-long protest where participants demonstrated their solidarity with rape survivors in various ways. Men wore purple shirts reading "Men In Solidarity", while several women who were survivors of sexual violence opted to courageously wear shirts reading "Rape Survivor". Other female participants wore shirts that proclaimed "Sexual Violence = Silence", and in conjunction with our attire we engaged in a silent protest and taped our mouths shut to depict the forced silence that survivors of sexual violence endure. The back of our shirt stated, "my silence affirms my solidarity with survivors silenced by rape and sexual violence."

There were over 400 participants in the protest, and though it was incredibly uplifting to see the amount of people willing to stand up for women's rights, the protest was a challenging experience. Shortly after being silenced at 7 AM, a man walking down the street stopped, looked directly at me, and said "silence equals consent". I just stood there, unable to react, as he nonchalantly walked away as if he were simply stating an acceptable fact. I felt shocked, irate, and broken, and though my mouth was taped shut, I couldn't fathom how to respond to a statement filled with such ignorance and hate. And I was not the only one to have such demeaning speech flung at me. Both the male and female participants were told by many that what we were doing was stupid and pointless, that rape wasn't that 'big of a deal', or that when rape did occur, it was somehow warranted by the woman's wardrobe, or the way she walked, or her flirtatious demeanor.

Last year, 55,000 rapes were reported in South Africa. In the United States, the National Institute of Justice reported that 1 out of every 6 women have been the victims of a completed or attempted rape. But these aren't just numbers, these figures represent the lives of women. So I say, do something about it. Insist that it stop. Yell from the rooftops that it is not acceptable for women to be violated, robbed of their dignity and sense of safety, and treated as if their bodies, minds, and spirits are insignificant objects to be abused.

Help end the war on women's bodies.






Much love,
B

A Few of My Favourite Things

People in South Africa often ask me what I miss most about home. My family and friends of course. But last night, I truly realized what I miss most.

Wal-Mart.

My epiphany occurred while at a friends house. I met a South African girl who had recently returned from Colorado, and as a group of us were talking, this poor, unassuming girl just casually mentioned Wal-Mart. Without conscious intent, I let out a squeal so shrill that it only should have been heard by dogs. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. This lead me to seriously consider the things I miss most about my home, the United States of America.

I miss Waffle House/IHOP/Denny's/SteakNShake, and all other establishments whose main cooking ingredient is a combination of lard and Crisco. I miss poker, youtube, and being able to see movies as soon as they're released. I miss sushi and New York City diners. I miss my Buick LeSabre, Bertha. I miss state fairs and carnivals. I miss the Union Square farmers market. I miss Chapstick. I occasionally miss the fine dining offered at Taco Bell (this craving hits me at the most random times, similar to when I was in Italy, staring at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and thinking about how badly I wanted a seven layer burrito). I miss stores that carry shoes big enough for my gigantor feet. I miss massive book stores. I miss concerts, particularly Hanson concerts. But most of all, I miss Wal-Mart.

Oh, and my family and friends. I miss you guys too.

In the sacred name of the 2 for $11 movie bin,
Brittany