Exploration 11

In the South Africa of today many still struggle. Hunger and crime still plague the majority citizens, and education is lacking in just about every single way for the people of South Africa. What we take for granted in United States are luxuries for those in Africa nation.

On the education front, many cannot attend school simply because they are too poor to be able to afford basic education. It's not like the US, where even the those with great debt can still send their children to school. Out education, for K-12, is free (in most cases). Another issue with the education system in South Africa is over crowding in the schools. One teacher, Priscilla Maseleme, talks about how she has fifty students in one class. The only bright side is that they all have textbooks.

One of the biggest issues, however, is segregation. Many feel they have much more freedom now than their parents, but the issue is still there. One man stated that he will not live to see the full effects of a joint society, but his children just might.

Link to BBC Special Report on South Africa.


The Dalai Lama, though not part of any Western religion, is still an icon. He advocates peace, frowns upon the use of weapons in his home country of Tibet against China, and has been traveling the world since leaving Tibet in 1959 due to Chinese rule over the area. He is a man of great will in the peaceful fight for freedom from China, and a man of wisdom.

Buddhist monks protest with Dalahi Lama picture looking over them.

 

 

 

The issue between Tibet and China is not a simple matter. It's rather complex with a mix of political conflict and religious conflict.Strong enough feelings exist that, in Tibet, two monks within the past five years have lite themselves ablaze in protest. It's true that religion and politics spark great fights, and this is a perfect example in the modern world. On one hand, Tibet says that that China will not allow them to practice their form of Buddhism, but a watered-downed communist form. China says differently, that Tibet (which is a Chinese territory to Beijing, but independent to Tibetans) has religious freedom.

The Dalai Lama was forced out of Tibet in 1959 because of a failed uprising against China. If not for the Dalai Lama, most people would probably be unaware of Tibet and the issues within the country.

Link to BBC News Q&A: China and the Tibetans