CULTURAL IDENTITY: A Post–colonial South African Cultural Identity
“In South Africa, ‘decolonisation’ has re–emerged as a theme for identity, economic and cultural contestations among the youth. In this, the celebratory rhetoric of rainbow nationalism of post–apartheid utopia is confronted head–on.” (Oyedemi, 2021:214)
Critically discuss the concept of the South African “Rainbow Nation” from a post–colonial perspective.
In your discussion, reflect on how the idea of the “Rainbow Nation” contributes to the construction and development of cultural identity amongst “Generation Z” South Africans.
Also reflect on how the idea of the “Rainbow Nation” might, on the other hand, be detrimental to South Africans’ cultural identity development.
Strengthen your discussions by referring to any of Kim’s (2007) four ideological positions (assimilationism; pluralism; integrationism; and separatism) you find relevant to your arguments. Do not refer to those ideological positions that are not relevant to your arguments.
Illustrate your arguments by referring to real/existing examples from post–1994 South African news media, entertainment media, or social media.
