The Making of a Good White - E-thesis - Helsinki.fi

eficial manner, and connected with the positive ideals of a good white. I
regularly ran into this during my fieldwork.
”I know that God has a task for me here in Ruyterwacht. He has put me
in this community to help the others. I have a mission here.” (Louise,
56, a long-time resident.)
Appearance and Taste 156
During the era of apartheid the social workers’ reports reflected continuing
awareness of the appearance, taste and behaviour of the tenants. The
previously set ideals of bodily behaviour were strong.
One of the present social workers told me that she had always wondered
at the start of her career in Ruyterwacht in the1980s, why people
would first take her into their kitchens when she went on a house call.
They would open their cupboards, showing how nice and tidy they were
and how neatly the bags of flour and sugar and tins of beans were stashed
away. Her experience in the 1980s was similar to mine in 1997.
“Then, we had order. They could come in any time, see through your
house and see that it was orderly.” (Jacoba, 80, a long-time resident.)
The attempts to uplift the taste and manners of the residents also found
new forms. As the female residents became known as a bunch of unkempt,
slovenly women, the demands on women’s appearances grew.
Good women were not only to wear clean and ironed dresses and look
after their skins; they were also to strive towards attaining slim figures. In
the 1970s it was realised that obesity was a problem in the Village. The
Weight Watchers were praised for their efforts to create more acceptable,
and, naturally, healthier bodies.
“WEIGHT WATCHERS CLUB: EPPING GARDEN VILLAGE: Mr.
M. reported that the club had a membership of 21, and was functioning
actively. Dr. J. of the Day Hospital expressed his appreciation of
the good work done in achieving what a doctor could not, merely by
issuing directions during a single consultation.” (CHL, SWR: 1970.)
156 Codes: Appearance and Taste, Female Role.
183