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The Struggle Behind Modern Identity: What I Learned in Cape Town
There are no rules to follow, no costumes to wear — just the quiet task of showing up for ourselves — again and again
I’m traveling in South Africa for a month — back after six months away. Yesterday, we went out in Cape Town. It was a beautiful day — clear skies, perfect weather, and the city had its usual vibrant pulse.
My friend brought someone new along — a Western guy. I found his style… pretty expressive, to say the least. He wore a feathered hat, oversized fake diamond rings, a chunky necklace, and even carried a studded walking stick — like a street magician on a mission. He introduced himself as a “spiritual guy.” But everything about his appearance screamed, “Notice me!”
This encounter got me reflecting on something I’ve noticed repeatedly during my time here: many people, especially in post-traumatic societies like South Africa, are grappling with their identity. For some, bold self-expression through clothing or image becomes a way to feel seen and heard in a world that often overlooks them.
Appearance becomes everything — sometimes even a shield.
Perhaps that’s why conversations around gender, identity, and self-expression are so amplified…
