Tina on the strong foundation she has in human rights and national pride

This past weekend, our UCONN clan, as well as thirty or so participants who are involved with an organization called Africa Unite, went to Goedgedacht, an olive farm north of Cape Town for a human rights workshop. The venue itself was stunning, with quaint little cottages placed within rolling pastures and hills. From the beginning of the trip, even while back in the States, human rights weekend was something that was discussed and hyped about; for that reason, I went into it thinking I had no expectations, but in the back of my mind, I think I was expecting something very life-changing.  

Although I would not say the experience was life-changing, I think that what occurred on the farm was certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Being a human rights minor, I have been familiar with the idea of social justice and the conversations around the concepts of cultural relativism and universalism. I’m fortunate that UCONN has provided me with a great foundation and framework within the human rights realm, because I found practically all of what we discussed at the weekend to be familiar and known concepts, ones which I have already spent much time contemplating.

Maria, Tina, & David

If I could have any qualm about the weekend, I would say that I wish we took the concepts and theories that we discussed a step further. What I love about human rights, and find to be so distinct to other classes or discussions, is that the discourse can be morphed into numerous different maters, and that it is interconnected to so many other factors within our own lives. Everything is impacted by human rights, whether or not we acknowledge that, so I think to recognize the ideas of privilege, race, gender, sexuality and see how they impact not only ourselves on a personal level, but a communal one as well, is vital to understanding how the world itself runs. Throughout human rights discourse, the idea of the individual and community are vital to spreading the word about the fundamental rights we have as humans, and ensuring we all have fair and equal treatment and access to these bylaws. All the participants went into that weekend with a unique perspective and lens, and I wish we had a chance to highlight that more and share our personal views and stories, for the sole purpose of bringing that information back to our respective communities.

Tina (second from left)  demonstrating some dance steps

For me, what was so rewarding about this weekend was getting to know people who not only live in Cape Town, but countries like Tanzania and Zimbabwe. I was able to learn a traditional South African dance, talk with a married woman who is not much older than myself about her cultural practices, and got to make connections with people that I know I would never have the opportunity to meet otherwise. To hear some of their stories firsthand was quite eye-opening not only in terms of human rights, but also the privileges I have as an American. Coming abroad has made me realize how proud I am of America and to be an American, and how fortunate I am to live in such a free place. Even while we were going around and listening to all of the national anthems of the countries that were present, I felt immense pride in hearing America’s anthem, one that I have heard hundreds of times throughout my life. This time something was different; the words were truly starting to jump out at me and I felt a sense of joy and pride on a visceral level. Being in another country, and granted the opportunity to reflect on my own culture, I realized how blessed I am and how fortuitous of a nation America is. Although, America has its own issues that need to be worked out, on a general level, we have so many liberties that I personally take for granted. Being in South Africa has made me see a different side on the topics of education, crime, drugs, poverty, abortion, homosexuality, and so many other issues, and makes me appreciate the ways things are back in the States. If anything, this weekend was enlightening in terms of making me think differently about things I already have a strong foundation about, whether that be my minor or my country.

Tina receiving her Africa Unite Human Rights Training Certificate from Ntombi Mcoyi