Chapter Ten, We Did Not Know Summary and Analysis

It is shocking that supposedly civilized white South Africans could turn such a blind eye to obvious injustice. The white Afrikaner minority could have easily ended apartheid. However, many grow up knowing no other system and accept it because it is comfortable and familiar. The system of racism is not naïve but actually turns out to be quite sophisticated. Blacks are isolated in townships that whites will not encounter unless they go out of their way.

Apartheid supporters cannot be found today. However, the TRC wants to know why whites cooperate with the same. Many people responsible do not respond to the TRC requests for hearings on why they acted as they did. For those who do come, whites turn out to be quite defensive. They see anti-apartheid movements as...