Can White People Be Zulus?

The reputation of Johnny Clegg, a white South African musician, singer-songwriter, dancer, anthropologist, and anti-apartheid activist, as Le Zoulou Blanc—The White Zulu—is a testament to the complex interplay between identity and culture in South Africa. The term Le Zoulou Blanc was bestowed upon him by black South Africans, including many Zulus, highlighting the affection and respect he garnered in the Zulu community.

Community Inclusivity and Cultural Identity

What matters is not an outsider's perspective but rather the decision made by the community itself. The White Zulu's acceptance by the Zulu community underscores the fluidity and subjective nature of cultural identity. The ability to join a community—especially an ethnic one—is determined by the community's members, who possess the ultimate say in whether someone can be considered part of their group.

Community Rules and Cultural Membership

Without delving too deeply into the intricacies of Zulu family law or their specific rules regarding adoption, intermarriage, and other pertinent matters, it suffices to say that these rules are codified within the community. A person's cultural membership is not merely a matter of external recognition but is rooted in the deep-seated traditions and practices of the community.

If Zulus have acknowledged that white people can be Zulus, then they can indeed be. This recognition is significant and portrays a broader, more inclusive perspective in modern South African society.

Identity in a Woke World

In today's increasingly woke world, where individuals can identify as anything they wish, the line between cultural assimilation and appropriation can become blurred. The ability for someone to identify as a Zulu or any other ethnic group is deeply tied to the individual's own sense of identity and the community's acceptance of that identity. However, this does not necessarily imply that any individual can simply adopt a new cultural identity without the community's consent or without understanding the significance and heritage behind that identity.

For example, an individual identifying as an Eskimo or a person of color in a corporate, political, or public service setting might do so for personal or professional advancement. This phenomenon has become increasingly common in the United States, where it can be seen as a strategic move to tick off the diversity box, often at the expense of genuine cultural understanding or respect.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the question of whether white people can be Zulus is a question of cultural inclusivity and individual recognition. It is a reminder that cultural identity is not solely a product of one's race or heritage but is also influenced by an individual's actions and the community's acceptance. The White Zulu phenomenon serves as an example of how cultural boundaries can be porous and dynamic, reflecting the evolving nature of identity in a globalized and diverse world.