South Africans are seething over scenes of a “Zulu” parade spotted during New Orleans’s annual Mardi Gras in the United States.
The colourful carnival season ended last week on the eve of Ash Wednesday, also known as “Fat Tuesday.”
‘ZULU’ PARADE COURTS CONTROVERSY WITH ‘OFFENSIVE’ IMAGERY
On social media, images and clips emerged from Mardi Gras, a vibrant festival celebrated in New Orleans.
However, scenes from what is called the “Zulu parade” trended for all the wrong reasons, particularly among South Africans.
The parade – which pays homage to a group of labourers called the “Tramps” – appeared reminiscent of old, theatrical minstrel shows. In it, parade participants were seen mimicking racial stereotypes of black people, which included blackface, afro hair, grass skirts, and gyrating hips.
The caricature of “Zulu” people naturally heft South Africans upset and offended.
X user @tiredfeminist_ posted: “These are Zulu people? Americans are so disrespectful. OMG”. Another – @ZuluUnchained– tweeted: “Why are we being disrespected by Americans like this?”
A third, @PalesaMogorosi_, shared: “Black Americans are so sensitive about their so-called culture and cry all day about how people do not respect them, yet also turn around to appropriate other people’s cultures and bastardize them. This is literally a mockery of Zulu people and Zulu culture. Shameless people”.
DOES IT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH SOUTH AFRICA?
Although the Zulu parade’s name is rooted in South Africa, participants say it is actually based on New Orleans’s African American community.
The parade is organised by the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club in New Orleans.
The name “Zulu” originated after a group of black labourers or “Tramps” visited a local theatre to watch a skit about a the South African tribe and its “warriors.” From there, the concept of “Zulu Tramps” was born, and later, the club, whose members are mostly people of colour.
The club first participated in Mardi Gras in 1909. Since then, their parade has become symbolic of the black community in New Orleans.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE ZULU PARADE AT MARDI GRAS?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us onWhatsApp,Facebook, X, andBluesky for the latest news.
