Stories from the past: Simon Says

Searching for people who have lived through some of the major social movements within the last century.

Everyone has a story inside of them. A story that can affect or influence other people once it is told. Simon's story dates back to a very important part in history perhaps one of the biggest changes that South Africa has experienced.
My perception of car salesmen were that they were all the same. Always quick with their words, sharp on their lingo and ready to sell you any car on the lot. But when I met Simon, my perception was skewed. Older gentlemen, 62 years old, greeted me with a gentle smile, stern blue eyes and a deep voice that did not completely hide his accent. He approached me in a calm manner, neither eager or indifferent. And after a few conversations about cars, our conversation led me to Simon's past. 50 years ago, Simon wasn't spending his youth in the South Bay beaches. In fact, the beach he was most familiar with were the beaches in Capetown, South Africa. Simon was living in the city of Johannesburg South Africa, a city that Simon referred to as being like west Los Angeles. This was where he grew up with a Jewish parents, and where people were segregated but the color of their skin.

When he spoke about his time spent in South Africa, he spoke of fond memories. He lived a modest life, went on a vacations and spent a lot of time outdoors. He spoke about the importance of culture where he grew up and what the people were like. " There are a lot of Safari's there." said Simon " People go on safaris there. There are a lot of different activities going on like the Zulu and the Causes. A lot of colorful people that have their own traditions, the way they live, the way they cook, the way they dress. There are seven different tribes in South Africa."
Although he spoke of the lively events Simon also mentioned some of the difference between Californians and South Africans. One of the biggest differences being that Californians are a little more open minded.

During his reflection he also mentioned the changes he saw within the country from the time he lived, during Apartheid until after it's abolishment. "It once was a much safer place," Simon mentions. "For the people I think the change was too drastic. It didn’t give the people a smooth transition. Where they teach the next person to take over the job…. They didn’t want that. Mandela wanted to run the country how they wanted to. The transition made people poor."
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"It’s not any person.. it’s an image of an environment, not anyone’s fault really. And then of course politically wise, everyone blames everyone else. Look at me, I’m Jewish and there was always a lot of Antisemitism for no rhyme or reason. Because people grew up in a very educated environment they became apart of the big business, and it’s not their fault it’s part of the environment." concludes Simon.

With a country of great culture but also great conflict Simon and his family moved to America before the end of Apartheid. " I wanted my

kids to grow up in a more free environment" Simon Said. " It was like a dictatorship. Also with the segregation, I didn't want them to feel like it was a part of their life."

Simon's experiences are a story of change. A glimpse of the effect the government has on it's people and the importance of opportunity. His experiences also tells a story of understanding. Simon growing up White, and Jewish and has lived in three different countries, South Africa, Israel and America, does not blame people for their narrow mindedness. But instead considers the environment and reminds us of the importance and influence of our surroundings. A lesson we all can relearn.