Answer to Question #190973 in English for Ben

Question

1. Define Black Consciousness as put forward by Steve Biko.

2. Give critical thought on the formation and maintenance of identities within the South African landscape.

Answer 1

Black Consciousness is the realization of the black people to rally together towards their oppression causes. i.e operating as a group to get rid of the yokes that bind them to long-lasting enslavement. It seeks to validate the lie that black is a deviation from white, which is considered normal. It pursues to instill the black community with newfound pride in their efforts, their outlook on life, and their culture.

The apartheid state lay emphasis on the distinct cultural identities that were the mark of South Africa’s defining population. Despite the broad racial classes, there existed further distinctions based on affiliation and class. The line between class and race was blurred. However, there was also an opposing form of identity grounded on multiracialism. The racial identity history has been based on tension among opposing strands of divisiveness and unity.