Peekay's perceptions of humanity have been shaped by the society he grew up in. This is a society were there is immense racism among the different racial communities because the recent war between the Boers and the English. There is the belief of "white superiority" that degrades the black Africans. Black Africans brought up Peekay and so this has contributed to the way he looks at humanity. Peekay was also abused by Boers when he was young, however later in life he befriended with other Boers and this also shaped the way he looks at humanity. Probably the important issue that shapes Peekay is the desire for power that people have.
             Peekay, although born from an English mother, suckled on the "soft black breasts" of an African woman. She was Peekay's nanny and she tended him until the age of five. Nanny was a "person made of laughter, warmth and softness" and together, the two had a tender relationship until they were separated when returned home from boarding and left for Barbarton. Peekay also meet a witch doctor, Inkosi-Inkosikazi, who cured his bed-wetting problem and taught him how to overcome his doubts and fears. Because Peekay's upbringing was by the black Africans, he does not develop a sense of hatred amongst other races. He does not judge a person by their skin colour. And so it is evident that the society that Peekay has grown up with has shaped his perception of humanity.
             During Peekay's predicament at boarding school, Peekay developed a sense of intimidation and felt anger towards the Judge and Jury who where Boers. However, this only had a slight affect on the way he looks at Boers. This is because he befriends a Boer named Hoppie Greonwald shortly after his time spent in boarding school. Hoppie is a train guard and also a boxer who is to look after Peekay on his trip to Barbarton. Peekay learns that Hoppie has no discrimination agains
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