Today’s lesson on the social anthropology of Cape Town focuses on Forries Pub in Newlands, noting the behaviour of tribes within this habitat.
The results were amazingly un-extraordinary:
- 80% male. The female tends to be an accessory to maleness, utilised for beer collection, cleavage viewing and high-pitched laughter at male jokes.
- 90% of subjects are named Stu, Dave, Matt or Mike, although James is also common. Single syllables are preferred for ease of pronunciation and shouting at the bar.
- 98% of subjects attended Rondebosch, Bishops, SACS and, in some cases, Wynberg. They frequently wear their scarves to identify themselves as such, especially if they are 35 or older.
- 100% of subjects believe that rugby should remain at Newlands as the new Greenpoint stadium is “too far from Forries” and “those people don’t like rugby as much as us”.
- Popular verbal expressions of affection include:
(It is worth noting that despite the above expressions, 99% of males at Forries profess to be heterosexual.)
In conclusion, we found the sociological environment of Forries in Newlands to be exceedingly homogenous. This has created strong tribal alliances but has also led to severe inbreeding.
12 responses to “Sociological Study 1: Forries Pub”
Pop outside to the jungle gym and you’ll find it’s far less male-dominated. Although, all the blokes that ARE there will have attended Rondebosch, Bishops, SACS and, in some cases, Wynberg. They frequently wear their scarves to identify themselves as such, especially if they are 35 or older.
A tedious place with all the charm of a damp armpit. I’ve never understood the attraction – even by the notoriously low standards of the SS crowd Forries is a giant, smelly, overpriced bore.
So the jungle gym is where the actual adults are? Good to know.
Amanda > In a strange way, the kids seem to keep the boytjies away.
So in other words it’s exactly like a Joburg Pub.
Sooo funny, loved it. Maybe you can do this all around town at popular bars, clubs and other hangouts. Would make a nice social tribes map of the mother city. Am keen to join on your next study.
Thanks Chris, although I think you’ll be one of those who defies such simple definitions! Stay tuned for study 2.
Thanks Chris, although I think you’ll be one of those who defies such simple definitions! Stay tuned for study 2.
This is hilarious.. and I know exactly what you mean. Yes, it’s like they never quite got over the whole high school thing and it’s still “rop” to be associated with the “good ol’ days”. I know I speak for us both here, that the first thing I did when I left my institution was throw that uniform in the bin!
Just had a good laugh. I attended one of the said institutions for the duration of high school. It would be fair to say that I didn’t belong being the eldest offspring of a blue collar Afrikaans father & mother! Made the best of it, but never quite got to the:
“Hey boytjie! We gonna klap a few beers and watch the rugger, hey?”
“Hey chick! Nice one, nice one, go on then.”
“Oh yes my son, that’s the way! 5 points!”
“Go my boy, go my boy! Oh! You beauty!”
…stage!
Funny, I always made Fairweather out to be a Bishops man. That said, I completely agree with your Sociological Assessment, based on my two visits to the place (once by accident, because I was lost in Newlands and had to axplain to someone where to find me.) PS… would have loved a follow up piece on Tiger Tiger.
Anton: Are you mad? He’s a Greenside High Jozi man. I’m hardly Bishops wife material either. Tsk.