South Africans are proving once again that humour and curiosity can bridge even the widest divides, as a viral trend reignites conversations about race, culture, and connection – all sparked by one simple question: “What have you always wanted to ask?”
Johannesburg, South Africa (16 December 2024) – South Africans have always had a knack for using humour and conversation to tackle sensitive topics, and this week, an old favourite made a triumphant return. The viral trend, affectionately dubbed “Burning Questions,” has once again taken social media by storm, bringing people together through hilarious, thought-provoking, and heartwarming questions.
The concept first went viral in 2017 when Louwrence van Niekerk, a South African who was 23 at the time, decided to counter the negativity he saw on social media. Tired of divisive and racist posts clogging his feeds, the self-proclaimed “Joburger” (as he called himself at the time) sparked a conversation with one simple challenge: “Ask someone from another race a question you’ve always wanted to know.”
His idea ignited a nationwide phenomenon, with South Africans eagerly participating and sharing their questions, ranging from cheeky curiosities to deep reflections. The responses were equal parts entertaining and enlightening, fostering a sense of connection in a country often grappling with its complex history.
Seven years later, Natasha Huckfield – a South African we’ve proudly featured on Good Things Guy before – reignited the trend with a fresh round of “Burning Questions.” Her X (Twitter) post has exploded with over 21,000 likes and more than 2,300 comments, sparking a renewed sense of curiosity, laughter, and camaraderie.
Some questions addressed historical and cultural topics, such as apartheid or the reluctance of some to learn an African language. Others dived straight into the quirky and comical. Here’s a taste of the hilarious gems shared:
“Why don’t you like seasoning your food? 😂 Like, y’all can cook, especially Afrikaners, but seasoning dololo. And your gravy is always watery.”
“Do y’all really agree with raisins in the potato salad, or is it just a rumour like Tommy Hilfiger?”
“Why are you so curious about everything? Y’all always risking it, like what you doing with a flashlight checking what’s inside an abandoned basement? 😭”
“Why do white males like wearing dirty sneakers? Why do white people say bye-bye a hundred times before they drop their phone? And why offer coffee when it’s 40 degrees?”
The post has brought a wave of laughter, but more importantly, it’s rekindled meaningful conversations about cultural differences and shared experiences.
Amidst the banter, the most profound takeaway has been the overwhelming call for unity and understanding. Here are some of the more touching responses:
“If this exercise has taught me anything, it’s that black and white folks need to spend waaaaay more time together. We all want the same thing from life: peace of mind and heart.”
“Thank you for opening the discussion which can border on sensitive issues. But to grow, we need to address them and know what to do henceforth and avoid yesterday’s mistakes. Once again, thank you.”
The beauty of this trend lies in its simplicity: a chance to ask, to listen, and to learn. Often divided by what makes us different, this light-hearted challenge proves that we have more in common than we think. It’s a reminder that laughter can bridge divides, and open conversations – no matter how silly they may seem – can lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding of one another.
As Natasha’s viral post continues to spark discussions and spread smiles, one thing is clear: South Africans know how to turn even the hardest conversations into opportunities to connect, laugh, and grow. And that’s something worth celebrating.
So, whether it’s about hygiene or why we smile at each other, let’s keep asking questions – and listening to the answers. You never know what you might learn!
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