Melting Pots and Rainbow Nations: Conversations about Difference in the United States and South Africa

by Jacklyn Cock, Jacklyn Cock

This passionate, intelligent commentary is an invigorating look at the implications of difference and diversity in two contrasting but similar the United States and South Africa. Melting Pots and Rainbow Nations addresses how differences--of gender, race, culture, biology, and sexual orientation--are variously understood and acted on in both countries. The authors argue that the concepts of difference and diversity, although valuable, are hollow if disconnected from specific social and historical contexts in which power relations create and perpetuate disadvantage. Their thoughtful exploration includes accounts of their own experiences of difference and their perspectives on such pioneering women as Elizabeth Bishop, Frene Ginwala, Audre Lord, Ruth First, Jane Goodall, and Mamphela Ramphele.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published February 11, 2002

Reviews

[Jarret Lovell · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, discovering this book was just too good to be true. I was searching for a book that I could use to lead American students on a "study abroad" program to Cape Town, South Africa. The focus of the course abroad will be an examination of race/class/gender/sexual orientation in both the United States and S.A. This book seems to have been written for just such a class. Moreover, a second course I will be teaching abroad focuses on the importance of wildlife and biodiversity, especially in Africa. Wouldn't you know: there's a chapter on biodiversity, too.

The book itself is written by two female authors: an American and a South African, and each contribute an historical and contemporary perspective on how identity politics plays out in both national contexts. The book title alone reveals so much: one nation - although claiming to be non-racial - actually refers to itself as a rainbow nation where each 'color' stands side-by-side, none no more or less important than the next, all necessary to create a rainbow. This nation embraces affirmative action, has rights for gays, and acknowledges 11 national languages. The other nation - the United States - seeks to do away with difference and simply melt into one. It seeks to demolish affirmative action, gay rights continues to be a struggle (remember, the U.S. Supreme Court said marriage is a right, it did not say anything about gay rights per se), and there are people who do not wish political candidates to speak in a language other than English. A very interesting contrast.

The book itself is written in clear, conversational language (indeed - the book includes email "conversations" between the authors). I found myself quickly making my way through the book and enjoying the experience.

The book has a two drawbacks. First, the book is dated - having been published in 2002. This means that many of the examples given may not be recognizable to students (e.g., while students today will certainly know about the alleged police brutality in Ferguson, they may not know about the Amado Dialo shooting in New York over a decade ago.) Similarly, while students today will know about #Black Lives Matter, then likely haven't heard of the Million Man March or Louis Farakan. But this can be worked into an advantage, as it shows how little some things have changed. The second drawback is that I'm not sure the emails included in the text add to an understanding. In fact, I stopped reading them after awhile as I didn't seem to get much from them.

Nevertheless, this book has really opened my eyes to identity in South Africa, and I have decided to assign this book to my students. Recommended.