Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography
Kelly Teague
7/19/11
Kaffir boy: an autobiography: The true story of a Black Youth’s coming of Age in Apartheid South Africa.
Mark Mathabane
Copyright: October 7, 1998 Pgs: 354
Growing up as a youth in Alexandra, black ghetto of Johannesburg, where mark was born and lived for eighteen years with hopes of becoming a successful man in a world full of obstacles that would eventually help or destroy him while dealing with the laws of society. He had to endured pain, grief, and sorrow and discovers courage, dedication, and motivation on order to survive the many police raids to revolutionary equality protests. Also becoming a rebellious, who didn’t see the importance of having an education? He discovered early on the pain …show more content…
He was hired at Barclays Bank and was surprised of the fact that he worked alongside his white counterparts. He also found the true passion for tennis which led him to great things. He ended up having white friends that shared the same goals for him. He dreamed of going to the America on a tennis scholarship with the aid of some his close friends and mentors. Being one of the top ranked Kaffir scholars and spoke English better than some Afrikaners could help in his journey into the Promised Land. This book isn’t about his success but, the challenges and adversities he had to overcome as being a youth in Alexandria receiving several offers from various colleges and universities. This was his golden ticket to a new world outside of apartheid back at home, leaving behind his family and friends that supported him to a better future.
Significance of “Kaffir Boy”
“Kaffir” originated from Arabic origin meaning infidel. In South Africa it is used disparagingly by most whites to refer to blacks. It is the equivalent of the term nigger. Mark’s usage of the word is ironic. He doesn’t claim he is a Kaffir in the manner it implies, but as an attempt to reclaim the word queer, wearing the label proudly than allowing one to provoke shame. He wants others to see it as a sign of identity in his hometown.
Main
7/19/11
Kaffir boy: an autobiography: The true story of a Black Youth’s coming of Age in Apartheid South Africa.
Mark Mathabane
Copyright: October 7, 1998 Pgs: 354
Growing up as a youth in Alexandra, black ghetto of Johannesburg, where mark was born and lived for eighteen years with hopes of becoming a successful man in a world full of obstacles that would eventually help or destroy him while dealing with the laws of society. He had to endured pain, grief, and sorrow and discovers courage, dedication, and motivation on order to survive the many police raids to revolutionary equality protests. Also becoming a rebellious, who didn’t see the importance of having an education? He discovered early on the pain …show more content…
He was hired at Barclays Bank and was surprised of the fact that he worked alongside his white counterparts. He also found the true passion for tennis which led him to great things. He ended up having white friends that shared the same goals for him. He dreamed of going to the America on a tennis scholarship with the aid of some his close friends and mentors. Being one of the top ranked Kaffir scholars and spoke English better than some Afrikaners could help in his journey into the Promised Land. This book isn’t about his success but, the challenges and adversities he had to overcome as being a youth in Alexandria receiving several offers from various colleges and universities. This was his golden ticket to a new world outside of apartheid back at home, leaving behind his family and friends that supported him to a better future.
Significance of “Kaffir Boy”
“Kaffir” originated from Arabic origin meaning infidel. In South Africa it is used disparagingly by most whites to refer to blacks. It is the equivalent of the term nigger. Mark’s usage of the word is ironic. He doesn’t claim he is a Kaffir in the manner it implies, but as an attempt to reclaim the word queer, wearing the label proudly than allowing one to provoke shame. He wants others to see it as a sign of identity in his hometown.
Main