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| USA 2005 |
The CID that we had all been waiting eagerly for has come and gone. Like all other country information days in Mercator College, the American CID drew a crowd exceeding the capacity of the common room. The presentation was divided into several interesting topics that touched on historical, political, social,  contemporary and economic issues in the United States, all of which were remarkably depicted through stand up comedy, fascinating video clips, song and dance, debate, factual and statistical data and drama sketches.The event started with a sober mood, with most of the audience already seated and anxious for the action by as early as 21:15. Mercator's beloved College Master Klaus Boehnke started the proceedings with a warm welcome to the crowd and a plea for his US Visa application. Professor Boehnke gave a brief history about his American flirtations in the 60’s and his achievements as an exchange student in America. He then concluded his application by reciting the United States Pledge of Allegiance. Unfortunately he was informed that his application was denied as his background did not clear certain regulations of the American Law and he was led off the stage. The American students then waltzed on stage, parading outfits depicting different aspects of American culture - farmer, redneck, cheerleader, cowgirl, hippie, surfer, colonial solider, etc. Their costumes brought a large appreciative roar from the crowd. Prof. Dr. Ryan Richards, an American hailing from Michigan, made sure that the crowd continued cheering and laughing with his hilarious 4-Part presentation on some outrageous American laws. Annika Carlson complimented this with her humorous PowerPoint presentation of America’s National Treasures, a must see for all tourists.  Even though these presentations cracked the ribs of many, they were educative and all true. Before this day, most of the audience was unaware that wearing a fake moustache in a church to cause laughter is prohibited in some states and that the world’s largest six pack of beer can be found in the USA!Ronald Buczek and Benjamin Dryden gave an expressive and interesting 2-part debate on the two mainstream political views in America, the Conservative view vs. the Liberal view. Their debate touched on topics such as illegal immigration, the death penalty, gay marriage, abortion and the separation of state and church. Their engaging and intellectually presented debate was based on factual evidence and was well researched. Some of the radical conservative views dismayed the crowd, who were largely liberal sympathizers, which resulted in some random crowd comments being fired at the Ron. Not to be outdone, Ron stripped off his jacket to expose his Ronald Reagan t-shirt, Reagan, one of the most successful conservative American Presidents. The Americans then presented a meticulous overview of how history has affected the social structures of the United States. Justine Mc Williams explored these issues with a presentation that included an informative and comical animated video clip. Nikolai Krichevsky and Marisano complimented this by performing an interview sketch between a broadcaster and “Dr Evil” (of the Hollywood movie "Austin Powers"). The crowd was informed of how the British colonized America and took over land from the native Indians. “Dr Evil” clarified that the Indians were never paid for the land that was taken from them. T  he crowd was also taught that, when the new landowners needed labor for agriculture, they sailed to Africa and captured slaves for labor. Though slavery was finally abolished in the mid-19th century, the blacks were still marginalized, oppressed, socially segregated and even persercuted by the likes of the KKK and other organizations. In the past, American society has been faced with big problems of race relations and religious divides. The ethnic minorities who make up 10% of the American population have, in the past, been marginalized and not given civil rights. This is slowly vanishing but there are still cases of racism that American society is working hard to eradicate. Another issue of contention in America lately has been the safety from and the threat of terrorism. The crowd was instructed through a safety video made by the United States government in the 1950's, on what precautions to take if the atomic bomb were ever to occur - just “duck and cover”!Pop culture plays an integral part to defining the United States. They are the initiators of many different genres of music. Leon Keefer and Ashleigh Ferris went on to show us how pop culture in America developed through the decades. From the 1940’s with Lewis Armstrong and the swing bands, 1950’s Elvis with Rock n Roll, 1960’s growth of Motown records, 1980’s days of Michael Jac  kson and rise of Rap music and finally 1990’s to now; pop music and hip hop from the likes of Eminem and Britney Spears ruling the pop music charts. The industry is now a lucrative business and we were reminded that these artists need to stay in shape and fit. This point touched on another key issue in American society, that of obesity and American obsession with diet fads - different methods that Americans use to keep in shape. Leon and Ashleigh presented a variety of different diet and exercise techniques, as well as illustrating some of these methods by inviting the audience to engage with them in a TaeBo exercise.After a song to name all the 50 states and a hoedown, where they square-danced as Leon played the banjo, they wrapped up the evening by showing a video clip of IUB students being questioned on America and their perceptions of the nation. Interviewees were asked a variety of questions, from their opinions on the government to suggestions for a new President to an estimate value for US Passports on the Black Market. Some interesting and conflicting points, some controversial issues, and some amusing and silly points were addressed in this video clip. It was left for Klaus Boehnke to conclude the evening with a vote of thanks and announce that the next CID is of China. After the proceedings, the audience was treated to some exquisite American delicacies, such as brownies, buffalo wings, chili, and cornbread. The CID was followed by a Prom-themed after-party at the OtherSide, which lasted late into the night and featured cheesy pictures and typical American music played at proms. A day of lots of information, alongside many jokes and humor, the United States Country Information Day was a success. Next on the world tour is China! You can find more picture here. (text by Mkhokheli Mhlanga edited by Claire Retterer)
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