dialogue
Dialogue inspired by Poetry in Stellenbosch
[NB: Please use the entrance on Ryneveld Street.]
Life in South Africa confronts us with issues that are not always easy to process. They make us uncomfortable and challenge us. However, is it exactly in these places of dissonance that growth and healing can happen.
Vera Marbach will facilitate a “dialogue inspired by poetry” through a process of reflection and sense-making as we connect with each other across some of the issues that frequently divide us. She will present some poetry from her recently published “Dwelling in Dissonance” as an entry point to a heart-to-heart discussion.
Vera is a facilitator, entrepreneur and L’Abri worker; she writes poetry to help her process the dissonance she observes and experiences. Resident in Gauteng, Vera is in Stellenbosch for a series of events to mark the launch of L’Abri SA. L’Abri is an international community that offers safe spaces in which questions are taken seriously and Biblical answers to life’s complexities are explored.
Injustice in South Africa
At our last Diversity Dialogue the topic chosen by the participants was “Injustice in South Africa”. During the dreaming phase the group enthusiastically came up with a concrete picture of a just S.A. where justice could infiltrate every area of life with flourishing well-being. We knew what we were aiming for!
Just a few highlights from the dialogue: The voices of Power and Race dominated the beginning of the conversation as they so often do in the world we live in. In response a voice of Personal Transformation emerged, wanting to hear from the quieter voices in the room. At first nobody wanted to take the seat of the White Supremacist, although their role in the injustices of S.A. was recognised. One of the dialogue participation tips is to try out roles that are usually not our own. After some time, different people decided to take up the uncomfortable challenge and briefly spoke from this point of view. Others in the room voiced their frustration with the inability of the White Supremacy voice to move on, some wanting to enforce change. The voice responded that this pressure entrenched his wanting to fight back, or withdraw.
Personal Transformation cannot be forced. There must be another way…
Should white people apologise?
This was the topic chosen by the participants at our last Diversity Dialogue of this year.
At these dialogues, people choose to represent different voices or points of view that are relevant to the topic. The voice of white apology set the emotional tone for the dialogue by speaking early on in the process, recognising the pain experienced by the voice of black inferiority and admitting to its own complicity in and benefit from the system. Regret and repentance were expressed. This opened the door to a different level of communication and relationship between the voices of white supremacy and black inferiority, with less provocation of black pain and anger. When an older black gentleman spoke from both white supremacy and black inferiority, it was clear that these two views usually come together. People from different backgrounds recognised how strong the hold of white supremacy still is, even in those who oppose its power.
Why I dialogue
As a facilitator of regular dialogues, I seldom get the opportunity to participate in a dialogue myself. I think it is one of the most important things I can do for my own personal growth. When I do get a chance to do so, I am probably more self-aware than what I used to be before I started facilitating. My latest experience of being “just one of the group” inspired these thoughts…
Why dialogue?
I have a
voice of personal
experience.
I represent more
than an isolated
individual.
Dialogue needs diversity.
