Getting old is uncontrollable and it seems, so are the signs that accompany it. Ageing is a good excuse if your skin begins to sag or if your wrinkles increase in number. “With many Africans having left their culture, we have been tricked into using the European ‘racial’ identity model, a model that places all of the emphasis for defining identity on the contemplation of pigment and other aspects of phenotype. When we become preoccupied with our “racial” or phenotypic features, we fail to consider sufficiently our vast cultural wealth which connects us to Africans around the world. This brings into focus issues about our culture. I have tried to show how Art and sports have developed, or was developing, and now it is not; i.e.e, both sports and art are now controlled by foreign companies band White-owned museums and show-rooms. Both sports and art have been taken out of the hands of the sportsmen and artists; out of the control of the communities and the Africans who were supposed to be representing and represented in various sporting activities. Like in the case of when Orland Stadium was rebuilt in preparation for the World Cup, the new stadium is good only for rugby, soccer, and festivals. The Old Orlando stadium used to have Track and field tracks and schools in the communities throughout Soweto would meet there and partake in the sporting activities there. Now, with the new stadium, the track and field stadium has never been configured into the building of the stadium-was never rebuilt into the stadium, and the stadium serves, mostly, soccer teams, and the community has a useless new stadium, either than sports, music, church events and such like things. I ask, Why do we let anyone walk into our communities today and not be questioned or responsible for whatever they do to our people without making them accountable? Why do we say that our people, whenever they question first preference given to anyone, except them, as being Xenophobic? All Countries in the West and in Europe are Extremely and profusely Xenophobic- research bears this out, and I will post it in some not too distant future? Why if Africans raise their concerns about what is happening to them they are tagged as being unwelcoming and very mean to foreigners. And during the early 1960s, with the establishment of the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL), the team rose to the occasion and finished near the top of the table on a number of occasions. The Lynneville Stadium hosted many exciting matches, and huge crowds would flock to witness games between Amazayoni and once famous opponents like Black Pirates, Katlehong United, Randfontein Young Zebras, Transvaal Black Birds, Orlando Highlanders and Pretoria’s Spa Sporting club. Significantly, in 1964 the Blue and Whites†reached the finals of the UTC Cup but narrowly missed the handsome cup and the R400 prize money on offer, when Young Zebras outplayed them.
Japan is another country worth further study as their idea of National Identity borders on obsessive. The Japanese society which dates back to BCE dates has spent more energy, manpower, and time in their struggle to break free from the yoke of Chinese cultural influence. Geographically Japan is part of the Pacific Rim, but because it is an island, has made the cultural impact of the Orient less evident. History shows us that the National Identity of Japan was closely related to ethnicity and their isolation from the rest of the world made it possible. For a thousand years, the cultural practices and lifestyles of the Japanese people existed with a high degree of stability, steeped heavy in tradition and honor. World War II and its aftermath saw a shift in Japanese National Identity with post-war industrialization, the importation of foreign workers, and many other outside influences dramatically changed the nation. Formerly most Japanese people saw themselves as superior to anyone else in the world and considered Westerner’s as barbaric and primitive that is until they were summarily defeated with superior technology by America. After the war ended, Japan was left in shambles most of the industries and transportation networks in all the large cities were destroyed or severely damaged. The citizens were faced with severe food shortage for years following the war, the casualties of the nuclear bombs were massive, and the long-term impact of the radiation would haunt them seemingly forever. The economy was almost totally paralyzed from the destruction and the black market coupled with runaway inflation loomed heavy. The once proud National Identity of the Japanese people was destroyed and it was obvious that if it re-emerged, it would not resemble that of the past. Historians will say that with huge levels of government intervention that the National Identity has been restored but only on a symbolic front. Yes, the age old need†to be free from Chinese influence was felt as recently as three years ago with anti-Japan protests in China over territorial disputes being countered in Japan with a disdainful look; again exhibiting that superiority from their history while watching the barbarians loot and destroy. Now however, Japan is more influenced by the Western world than the Orient and less Japanese†than ever, with many blaming American influence. A recent surge in nationalism has given rise to more questions instead of answers. The laser-like focus by the Japanese in their pursuit of progress seems to be on a collision course with the way of the Samurai and Western icons and cultural symbols will certainly be part of the conflict.
The historical works of Diop, the political works of Fanon, the poetry of Cesaire and the founding of Presence Africaine by Alioune Diop belong together in the historical effort to recover the strong forces of the African genius whose expressiveness and originalness had been silenced and traumatized by three hundred years of colonial domination. Consequently, the contribution of Diop through his historical works should not be seen only in and of itself, in isolation from the contributions of other great and outstanding African intellectuals, but should be seen as part of a historical movement around the Negritude poetic school. Carnival is a four-day extravaganza marked by parades of costumed dancers and musicians, formal balls, street dancing, and musical contests, a truly national party during which Brazilians briefly forget what they call the “hard realities of life.” Carnival is symbolic of the national ethos because it plays to many of the dualities in Brazilian life: wealth and poverty, African and European, female and male. The key to carnival’s popularity is its break with and reversal of the everyday reality. Through the use of costume—notably called fantasia in Portuguese—anyone can become anybody at carnival time. Class hierarchies based on wealth and power are briefly set aside, poverty is forgotten, men may dress as women, leisure supplants work, and the disparate components of Brazilian society blend in a dizzying blaze of color and music. If you are looking for the best women’s western boots in the market, it is important to put quality at the top of your list. You may have a nice pair that matches your style, but if it is of low quality and gets damaged easily, it will be useless. There are many brands that offer high quality western boots. Justin Boots, Tony Lama, Liberty’s Twiggy Fashion Boots and Old Gringo Boots are four of the most famous producers of women’s western style boots. Also called summer wear or cruise wear because this is what you will wear on your luxury vacation. This style is all about travel and relaxation – think shorts, loose t-shirts, caftans swimsuit cover-ups, jogger pants, wide brimmed summer hats and strappy sandals. It also includes full-length evening gowns (think maxi dresses) and semi-formal attire for men. Another expensive type is Liberty’s Twiggy Fashion Boots, named after a famous model during 1960’s – Twiggy. Madonna used this pair during one of her tours, popularizing the brand among cowboy boots lovers all over the world.
