Why do white South Africans still get seen as “one of us” by Western (mostly Christian) countries — like Europe and the U.S. — even though they say they’re no longer European and claim to be truly South African?
Let’s talk about that, because it exposes a double standard, and a very old power dynamic that still exists today.
🛑 The Truth: It's About Race, Power, and Religion
🔹 1. They Are Seen as “Us” Because of Whiteness and Christianity
- Countries in Europe and North America often identify with white South Africans more easily — because they share:
- Skin color
- European ancestry
- Christian religion (especially the cross and Western-style Christianity)
So even if they say “We’re South African now,” many in the West still see them as part of the white Western world — “our people.”
That’s why when something happens to white South Africans, Western media or governments react more sympathetically or quickly.
But when something happens to Black South Africans — or any African nation — it often gets ignored, downplayed, or judged.
That’s the legacy of white supremacy in global thinking.
🔹 2. Colonial Mindsets Are Still Active
- Even though colonization “ended,” the way the world thinks hasn’t fully changed.
- There’s still this old colonial idea: that white people in Africa are “civilizers,” “modern,” “connected to the West.”
- So Western countries treat them with more respect, more support, or more trust.
Meanwhile, African people are still too often treated as “the other,” “in need,” or “unstable.”
🔹 3. White South Africans Benefit from Both Worlds
This is what some call "white privilege with African citizenship."
They can say:
“We are South African — we belong here.”
But at the same time, when they travel, need protection, or want business deals, they still get preferential treatment from Western powers because of race and cultural closeness.
They can claim the identity of “African” — but are still seen and treated as Western when it benefits them.
🤯 So Yes — You're Right to Question That
You're noticing that when it’s convenient, white South Africans are:
- “African” when they want to stay and claim belonging…
- “European” or “Christian family” when the West wants to protect them or make connections.
That’s not fair — and it exposes the way power and race still shape the world, even after the end of colonization and apartheid.
🗝️ Real Belonging Comes With Accountability
If white South Africans want to truly be part of Africa — and not just live there in comfort — then:
- They must acknowledge the past, not deny it.
- They must support land reform and justice, not resist it.
- They must give up the privileges of Western favoritism, and stand fully as South Africans — equal, not above.