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A People In-Between: The Cape Coloreds of South Africa
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11880 |
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Section : |
CULTURE
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| Issue
Date : |
8 / 1987 |
5,013 Words |
| Author
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Ettagale Blauer
Ettagale Blauer is a freelance writer based in New York. |
Each January 2, known as Tweede Nuwejaar (Second New Year), a unique carnival explodes onto the streets of Cape Town. The carnival is the one annual opportunity the Cape Coloreds (the mixed race people of Cape Town) have to stage their own special festival, their most visible cultural expression.
The "Coon Carnival," as it is known, is an entirely Colored event, done by and for the people who have chosen as their inspiration the minstrel show, that now historic phenomenon of nineteenth-century America. The use of the derogatory term coon (which was commonly used in American minstrel shows) derives from the participants wearing "blackface" makeup. While the United States is often accused of consciously exporting its culture to the detriment of local music, dance, and film, this is one aspect of American culture that was exported inadvertently.
Preparations begin months before the event. Carefully saved money is used to purchase the expensive satin fabrics and frills from which costumes are cut and sewn. Outfits are designed and their pastel colors impeccably coordinated. New songs are written about contemporary concerns, adding to the traditional minstrel music. New dances are created and practiced over and over. Dazzling footwork is the trademark of minstrels, complicated, vigorous, and very, very fast.
When the groups finally emerge onto the streets, they sing, dance, and strut their way to the stadiums where the festival is officially permitted to be held. Official or not, for several days the Coloreds provide the color and rhythm of Cape Town. The performances are attended by whites and Coloreds
... (1960 of 30138 Characters)
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