Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography--The True Story of a Black Youth's Coming of Age in Apartheid South Africa - Book Report/Review Example

Racism in Kaffir Boy: The True Story of a Black Youths Coming of Age in Apartheid South Africa of SubmissionRacism in Kaffir Boy: The True Story of a Black Youths Coming of Age in Apartheid South AfricaMark Mathabane’s story of his own life, Kaffir Boy: The True Story of a Black Youths Coming of Age in Apartheid South Africa, was published in 1986 when Apartheid was still a very large part of the South African way of life. His story talks of the trials that people of colored races had to face in such a historical setting.

His story also talks of the personal efforts of his that led to his success. His story is thus one that inspires one to rise above the trials and tribulations caused by circumstances and inspires one to work hard for success.Mathabane’s account of racism in South Africa is able to show how the colored people of this nation during the era of apartheid did not receive the same opportunities that the whites did. Apart from this, it also points out the fact that in such a society, it required an extraordinary effort from someone of non-white races to secure a successful future.

The exclusion that Mathabane faces from certain tournaments is proof of the racism that was practiced in most parts of South Africa during the time when he lived there. He is able to participate in such tournaments as a result of the kindness that is shown by some whites.The crippling poverty that Mathabane has to live through is also something that reveals another side of racism. Racism resulted in a certain kind of poverty in the colored races of South Africa and prevented them from receiving the kinds of opportunities that the white citizens of their own country had.

The reason as to why a certain part of this poverty is alleviated is the kindness that is offered by the Smiths. They offer him their sympathetic support and this goes a long way in helping his cause. However, as in the earlier instance, this too is an example of the kindness of the whites which only reveals the extent of the helplessness that the blacks in South Africa faced during the apartheid era. They were in such situations completely at the mercy of the white establishment. This shows a racist government that fails to take the humanity of the colored races into account.

Mathabane’s account is not wholly pessimistic though. In the midst of the gloom, he makes it clear that it is possible for change to happen. For this transformation to happen, “education plays a central role and even prior to education, family ties and especially motherly love and obstination trigger change and progress” (Kaffir Boy, An Autobiography, 2012). The training that Mathabane receives in tennis enables him to participate in tournaments and ultimately migrate to America. This success of his comes despite the racist environment that he had to live in.

this is a constant provider of inspiration. It reminds the reader that despite the presence of obstacles, it is possible for one to attain success if one is ready to persevere. Matahabane’s account is as much an account of the South Africa of the apartheid era as it is of the power of the human spirit.ReferencesMathabane, Mark. (1990). Kaffir Boy: The True Story of a Black Youths Coming of Age in Apartheid South Africa. New York: Macmillan. Print. “Kaffir Boy, An Autobiography”. (2012).

The Daydreamer’s Diary. 23 May, 2012. Retrieved 10 Nov. 2012 from http://thedaydreamerdiary.blogspot.in/2012/05/kaffir-boy-autobiography.html