Peace and Reconciliation

Here is a great song about unity between North and South Sudan. Enjoy!



Othering

I try to understand the origins of my stereotypes towards Northern Sudanese people. It was something that I inherited from my family. My experiences with Northern Sudanese is far different from my parents. The first Northern Sudanese person I remember seeing growing up was Zeinab Badawi, the BBC news anchor.

Since my father is a news fanatic, he would always have the television station turned on to BBC. I recall seeing her and thinking how she is intelligent and a good role model for women. Not ounce did I ever view her solely from the lens of her ethnicity. In fact, I was unaware she was Sudanese. Back then, I didn't  even know how Northern Sudanese people look like, they are too diverse to categorize.

The epiphany hit me that I had not even met a Northern Sudanese person before yet I had prejudices that were unfounded. This resulted in me re-examining my worldview. I only saw Northern Sudanese from the perspective of a Southerner and what was taught to me from past generations. Not ounce did I ever had a conversation with someone from the North. For this reason, I  wanted to now meet people from North Sudan. With social media, I have been able to read the blogs of other young Sudanese youth like myself. I have come to realized that we share far more similarities than difference. Also, living in a multicultural country has allowed me to interact with Northern Sudanese people in a friendly environment.  

I can proudly say that I have debunked previous negative connotations I had about people from the North. I have learned that through communicating and interacting with the other, our world view changes.

The best tool to fight prejudices is confronting your misunderstandings of the other, listening to and engaging with the opposing side of the conflict. This will help reduce the fear and stigma of the other.





Separation or Unity

Seeing the secession of South Sudan from Sudan was a joyous occasion for an majority of Southerns. It epitomized the long years of war for self-determination and equality. Although, I have not experience that battle first hand, my parents have. It was a day that my father and mother waited a long time to witness. It was strange watching stoic adults you have grown up with cry. They truly lived with the pains of Sudan's ugly history.  For me,the joy came from watching their dreams of nationhood be actualized.

I wonder how these ladies felt that day.





The relationship between North Sudan and South Sudan was one of domestic violence. The split was necessary for the betterment of both sides. Unfortunately this contested divorce has just began.



Diasporic Thoughts

I think living outside my former mother country Sudan, has given me the opportunity to have a unique perspective on the current events that take place there. Since I have not lived in Sudan, I am not culturally considered Southern Sudanese. However, because I look very ethnic, have dark skin, and are a first generation Canadian, I'm not considered Canadian enough as well. I drift between both identities. This often leads to cultural confusion for myself and others who meet me.

I share both flags and use the popular term Sudanese Canadian and African Canadian. Although my split identities have caused me confusion as a child, now as an adult, I appreciate having the dual citizenships. As a resident of more than one nation, I feel that I can have a more open and understanding world view. As a Development Studies student, I have the experience of growing up in cultures that are completely different; one that has reached development and the other still developing.

 I have temporarily come to the conclusion that being an outside observer is not a bad position to be in. Perhaps I have found my niche right here.



Rising Sun

This tree is symbolic of the personal  growth and development I want to achieve in this blog and life.