Perception Is Reality, South Africa Is Awesome

Perception is reality, and my reality is South Africa is awesome! Is your reality based on what is actually before your eyes or is it based on what other sources are telling you is before your eyes? People the world over emigrate, and look for greener pastures elsewhere. What is different with South Africans though, is that very often the departed leave here angry at the country and blame it, it's politicians, it's people for just about everything wrong with their lives. 

It was refreshing reading this post by Joanne Fedler, I Know Why Lot's Wife Looked Back. Joanne Fedler grew up in South Africa, and is now living in Sydney. Most South Africans who leave, end up in Australia and the perception they have of South Africa is totally negative. Joanne's reality of South Africa speaks to a very different experience.

If only more South Africans who emigrate admitted this truth and were comfortable to echo their feelings publicly. The sentiment about South Africa would be very different. We are the worst sales people of this country. That is unique as even countries further north of South Africa, where people are finding no easy living, people will speak well of their country.


I am not saying there is nothing wrong with our country. I am saying, like the rest of the world, there is a lot right about this country. What you focus on expands! There are many moments when I look at the goings on in this country, and I truly feel the soul being drained out of me. More than equal to the negative perception I will get, is seeing the wonderful things this country has to offer and actually getting to experience them.

We do not have the monopoly on corruption, the GSK scandal in China recently is but one event that highlights that. Our justice system is not the only one that can seem criminal in action. America has just had a mind bending verdict on Zimmerman. 

As for our government and lying to it's citizens, again the US sets the pace with Snowden proving how "democracy" wants to deal with those that are deemed to be an enemy of the state.

Too often, those that leave South Africa, want to justify their decision to leave by telling a point of view of this country that would drive fear into anyone, making one feel South Africa is a place where Angels fear to tread.

I am all for leaving if you are running to something! Leaving when you are running away from something, never solves the problem, and often distorts reality.

South Africa Is Awesome! The sun will still come up tomorrow. It's good to find people like Joanne Fedler, who have left, and yet still remind us that.