Soweto Experience days One and Two

These first two days were spent going through a history of the terrors and tragedy of apartheid. We first visited constitution court and the museum there. The prison was an experience that was shocking. I have seen some amazing and terrible sights however this was amazing for the manner in which they preserved and added to the site. Another such sight I have visited is the documentation center in Nuremburg which is in the unfinished Nazi party congress building. In both these buildings there are histories that should and must be told. The import of these sites is for the public to never forget yet try to move on.
The site contained relics as well as the architecture. Constitution court is not just a mueseum, like Nuremburg, it is a working court. This was important as the court was the only new construction on the site and had been especially desgined for its purpose. Many symbolic elements and many creative ideas were included in the court room. The judges sat as to be eye level with the lawyers. Also there is a window in the court room so that there is transperancy at all times.
The other site we visited was the apartheid museum. This went through the whole history of the creation of apartheid and how it was eventually torn asunder to make way for an inclusive South Africa. This is also a truth telling site however unlike the previous two mentioned this one is in a building constructed just for its purpose. However it did contain relics and carefully constructed exhibits that brought home the message. The site itself was also an exhibit as it worked to bring home the feeling of apartheid.
The different ways in which a truth telling site can be made are important to take away from those mentioned. The use of historic locations and architecture can be a potent reminder of what occurred. However this does not need to be the case as the holocaust museum in Washington D.C. illustrates. I believe however that many times a former oppressor or power leaves distinctive architectural prints that continue to impact peoples’ lives. The Berlin wall is just such an example of a reminder of a difficult past.
I believe that sites such as the ones mentioned previous to this are for every culture that has in some way or another caused damage to another. With very few exceptions the impact that such a site has on the populace is positive. Children learn at these sites and take away lessons that help to shape them into citizens.
I think that in order to promote reconciliation it is key to have truth telling sites. Some key features being: Historical importance, relics, and accessibility. This last element is important because if you create an impactful museum in an old gulag but no one can go see it the site is less then pointless.

Hamba Kahle! Until we meet again Ryan E. Hardman