The Intersection of Afrikaans Culture and Digital Spaces: Exploring TikTok's Impact
South African culture has migrated to digital spaces with remarkable consequences, especially within the TikTok community, which has gained significant traction among Afrikaans speakers. The latest documentary on Showmax, titled "Tiek Tok Boem," delves deep, offering viewers both entertainment and contemplation.
This documentary captures the chaotic milieu of Afrikaans TikTok, where user-generated content oscillates between comedy, drama, and at times, shocking behavior announced to the public eye. Among the phenomena documented is the recurring desire among users to push boundaries for attention, leading to actions such as profanity-laden insults, outrageous stunts, and even live streams showcasing extreme antics. One notable clip features the audacious assertion, "Ek gaan vir haar met 'n tet moer" ("I'm going to beat her with one of my breasts"). Such moments encapsulate the wildness of this digital epoch.
Initially drawn by the allure of trending videos, journalist Mariska, who appears prominently in "Tiek Tok Boem," has voiced her alarm, declaring, "The app is a disaster waiting to happen." This sentiment resonates as the documentary brings to light the willingness of some users to partake in reckless behavior, not only for the thrill but to garner likes and views.
One of the most shocking incidents encapsulated within the documentary involves a bold TikTokker who live-streamed themselves flushing their ex’s ashes down the toilet, illustrating just how far some are willing to go. The virtual world of TikTok, it seems, rewards extreme behavior, often without consequence.
Yet, within the chaos lies the charm. Many Afrikaans users describe TikTok as their own real-time version of the long-time favorite soap opera, "7de Laan," where daily dramas play out and users become characters of sorts. This contradictory duality of attraction and repulsion is explored throughout the film. A perfect example is Terrible Tess, Afrikaans TikTok's 58-year-old icon, who flaunted her viral fame after live-streaming her use of the toilet, unfiltered and unapologetic.
The documentary casts its spotlight on conflict as well, chronicling the heated rivalry between notable TikTok personalities Queen Amelda and Leigh Pascheka. Director Van Heerden expressed his shock at the harshness directed toward these influencers, stating, "It almost felt inhuman." The film reflects the unsettling nature of online interactions shaped by anonymity and the often cruel nature of public judgment.
Toward the end, one of the alarming segments details the investigation concerning controversial TikTokker King Binlaken, adding another layer of seriousness to the otherwise entertaining documentary.
While "Tiek Tok Boem" examines TikTok's darker corners, it also inadvertently aligns with upcoming events tied to the celebration of International Mother Language Day, which recognizes the diversity of languages and cultural identities. Taking place on February 21-22, 2025, events hosted by Iziko Museums of South Africa aim to honor the significance of Afrikaans as part of South Africa’s rich linguistic fabric.
Under the theme "Afrikaans is ONS!," the celebrations will reflect on the roots of the Afrikaans language and its contributions to the national story, highlighting both its historical weight and bright future. Engage talks and performances scheduled for these days aim to engage audiences with lively dialogue surrounding linguistic pride and heritage.
The Iziko Slave Lodge will be the first venue, kicking off the festivities with insightful discussions, vibrant performances, and opportunities for participants to celebrate their tongues. Meanwhile, on February 22, the Iziko South African Museum will host an exciting IsiXhosa Spelling Bee competition, nurturing and showcasing young learners' talents within the cultural milieu.
Through these engagements, Iziko promotes multilingualism and acknowledges the need to safeguard indigenous languages as part of our shared heritage, aligning seamlessly with the sentiments echoed within "Tiek Tok Boem." It offers audiences the opportunity to not only witness the exuberance of language but to also address the twists and tensions of modern platforms like TikTok.
With both TikTok and events like those at Iziko Museums, the power of language and digital culture melds, showcasing the spectrum of expression and identity. Afrikaans TikTok is not just chaos; it reflects the challenges and vibrancy of South African culture as it evolves online.
“Tiek Tok Boem” is currently streaming on Showmax, inviting viewers to engage with the narrative of Afrikaans culture through this dynamic digital lens.