I was recently selcted to represent UCT at the International Human Rights Exchange held in Cape Town. It drew together citizens of the West with those of us said to be in South. Under very cramped conditions, where we couldn't easily escape our prejudices and fears, we engaged around issues of human rights, democracy, developement and most notably 'race'. Needless to say things became very heated, sometimes to the point of losing bonds that had been established. Me being the controvercial, blatant speaker that I am, commented that the main problem with the race issue in the group was mostly between black Americans and white people. It became quickly apparant that this forum was the first opportunity black Americans had to engage directly around issues of 'race'with white people, which sometimes became emotional. What I learnt most about the whole experience, a month long exchange from June to July 2005, was that we really do occupy different spaces and points in history. "race' is not really talked about in America and things are very far from what I imagined. I appreciated the fact that in South Africa we can speak very openly and blantantly about 'race' and tribalism, and then afterward go out together for a drink. I truly thought I couldn't suffer from culture shock. Never say never. Still, i would encourage everyone to apply for next year's exchange. Check out the website: www.ihre.org You will get a chance to visit the stunning landscapes of South Africa, and also get a chance to see yourself revealed in someone else's eyes-sometimes it's not such a pretty picture-but it's real!