Finding the extraordinary, and each other, in the ordinary

While diverse and rich with culture, South Africans rarely talk about it and we are more than likely to talk about the things other parts of the world are authorities in. When searching for topics to write to about here, a few came to mind. I sent out emails to people whose stories I thought were worth telling, but the first reply was from a South African who hasn’t lived or worked here for a while.

Wait a minute,  is it possible that we think our stories aren’t worth telling because we are surrounded by them so much? Maybe we too often look outside of ourselves and our communities for the interesting tale of what makes this country. In many talks I’ve been to – and I attend quite a few – where people speak about their travels abroad in most instances they seem to miss mundane things. What to me seemed mundane till a page stared blank at me.

Sometimes telling a story, thanks to cameras, doesn’t always require a written but a more descriptive account. This is where the I realized how much even without vocalizing it, we tend to have a clash of cultures that goes unnoticed until an opportunity to talk is presented.

So, you as being the story and a large part thereof should contribute to this initiative because chances are, I, your neighbour don’t know much about you. Let’s take a different course from the clash.