"I did not want to live in a place where I did not feel safe. I did not want to have kids in South Africa where they could not have the freedom to go wherever they wanted. That is why I left South Africa"- Stacy
Stacy's South African accent often sparked curiosity and occasional confusion among her peers in America. Frequently, she found herself fielding questions that reflected stereotypes or misconceptions about her home country. Americans would ask, "Why aren't you Black?" seemingly unaware of the diverse racial makeup within South Africa. Others, with a mix of humor and genuine curiosity, wondered if lions roamed freely through the streets back in South Africa. Despite these cultural misconceptions, Stacy's overall opinion of America remained positive.
Through these exchanges, Stacy realized that America prioritized safety in ways that resonated with her. In navigating cultural differences, Stacy embraced the chance to educate and build connections, fostering a more inclusive environment and deepening her appreciation for both South African and American cultures.
"South Africa is a beautiful country and the people are friendly and warm. But safety and security are more important to me"- Stacy.
Raising Children in America
Stacy has three kids: Dylan, Shannon and Brandon. Safety is a noticeable difference of South Africa and America, which impacted the way her children were raised. For example, in South Africa it was not safe to allow kids to go by themselves on the train but in Boston, many older kids commute by train in and out of the city. Due to concerns with safety, South Africa is also known to be more strict, "Stricter in South Africa but im stricter with my kids too because of the safety”- Stacy.