Saturday, October 9, 2010
Barb: The disparity between rich and poor in South Africa is the greatest of any place in the world. We see the contrast everywhere. Unemployment is around 30%. The hope and possibilities for this new (1994) country are evident everywhere. Much first world infrastructure is in place. We have heard over and over about how the president has made early childhood education a national priority as beginning of scaling and developing a quality education system. Many believe that this is what is necessary-- quality free accessible education for all-- to fully realize the potential of this magnificent country and to allow for the development of an economy that can sustain the population.
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The disparity between rich and poor being the greatest in the world surprised me. And the 30% unemployment rate certainly puts a perspective on what we are experiencing here with our just under 10% unemployement driving our national elections.
ReplyDeleteWhat is amazing to me is that a country with this much disparity between class and race was the first in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation, and in 2006 made history by becoming the fifth country in the world, and the first in Africa to legalize same-sex marriage.
A common assumption is that issues such as gay civil rights is a luxury only available in Western First World countries with a liberal tradition. How and why is South Africa so advanced over us in this respect?
When you return it will be fascinating to get your take on a human rights issue such as this.
Gary G