Process Paper
A. Paragraph 1:
Holding a conversation with some teachers, explaining the circumstances that South African residents face every day, sparked our history fair topic idea. What surprises us most is how little people actually know about apartheid and the fact that they think it was abolished, when in reality it is still going on. This is why we chose this history fair topic, especially being a former resident, providing on-going information that is woven in piece by piece, which all together creates not only an overall topic, but story. Apartheid fits the theme well; being this is a revolution and is STILL an ongoing problem in South Africa.
B. Paragraph 2:
Crystal Mongeau and her History Fair partner, Lisa Bakkes, have conducted their research not only by computer and some books, but Lisa Bakkes and her family has first-hand experience. Bakkes has friends and family with proof, hard fact information that makes the group’s project stronger. With the help of Bakkes’ connections in South Africa, the group will and have retrieved primary documents pertaining to the misfortune this country faces each day and the turning points in Apartheid. Together, the two will have factual evidence of the disappointing path that discrimination against the many races have taken.
C. Paragraph 3:
As a group, they chose to create an exhibit for their unique History Fair project. The two both feel that all of their thoughts and information on their topic (Newspapers, documents, and short notes) could be displayed easier and give a visual to not only the judges, but other peers and viewers. For instance, if the twosome agreed on a documentary, it would be of several minutes long, whereas a presentation would also not fully help us convey our thoughts the way we want them to be heard. It is believed by the duo, that with their extensive research, determination and self-competence, an exhibit is the best way for them to portray their findings to their audience.
D. Paragraph 4:
Having the knowledge of the numerous amounts of people across the world that think that South Africa is “free” of Apartheid, it is clear that the turning point of discrimination in South Africa is not what it appears to be. For instance, because Mandela was elected president of South Africa, new laws were implemented, causing roles of Apartheid to be switched against the Caucasian minority population. In accordance to the new laws, the equality that has been set fourth for all races, has shown untrue, as well educated persons have been denied job opportunities due to their skin color. In comparison with other important points in time, this group’s topic is more complex due to the fact that it is still an on-going event and has been for decades. Although Apartheid was ended in written script, it has left an emotional and mental scar upon the residents of the country, shown through their actions towards each other. As a group, Mongeau and Bakkes want to correct the misunderstood aftermath of Apartheid.