South Africans outraged by Mardi Gras ‘Zulu’ parade

South Africans are expressing outrage over what they perceive as offensive imagery during the “Zulu” parade at the recent Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, USA.

The annual carnival, which ended last week on “Fat Tuesday,” has sparked a heated debate online.

Controversial Imagery from the ‘Zulu’ Parade

Footage from the parade, part of New Orleans’s famous Mardi Gras festivities, quickly went viral – but for all the wrong reasons. The “Zulu parade,” as it is called, left many South Africans upset after images surfaced showing participants mimicking outdated racial stereotypes. These included blackface, afro wigs, grass skirts, and exaggerated movements.

For many, this portrayal seemed reminiscent of the minstrel shows that historically dehumanized black people. The portrayal of “Zulu” culture, while rooted in South Africa, was viewed as offensive by many South Africans, who took to social media to voice their dismay.

One user, @tiredfeminist_, tweeted, “These are Zulu people? Americans are so disrespectful. OMG,” while @ZuluUnchained added, “Why are we being disrespected by Americans like this?” Another Twitter user, @PalesaMogorosi_, said, “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.”

Understanding the Origins of the ‘Zulu’ Parade

Despite the apparent cultural clash, the parade is not a direct homage to South Africa’s Zulu people. According to organizers, the Zulu parade has deep ties to the African American community in New Orleans. The event is organised by the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, which was founded in 1909.

The name “Zulu” comes from an incident in which a group of African American laborers, known as the “Tramps,” watched a skit about the Zulu tribe and its warriors at a local theater. Inspired by the performance, they adopted the name “Zulu” to symbolise their own group. Over time, the “Zulu Tramps” evolved into the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, a group primarily made up of people of color. Today, the parade is considered a celebration of the black community in New Orleans, but many South Africans feel the connection to their heritage is being misused.

While the parade’s history is rooted in local New Orleans culture, the use of “Zulu” in the context of the parade has caused discomfort, leading to questions about cultural appropriation and respect for traditions.