This article in the Sunday Times (by Bobby Jordan) is unusual if only for the balanced opinion - for once (by a South African) - of that strange mixed bag, the South African tribe. We're schizophrenic at the best of times; given to melancholy and hopelessness, other times we're exuberant; our optimism seems unquenchable. The issues in this country are numerous, aren't they. So naturally, we ought to despair at times, and at other times, be happily triumphant.
We are a country of brutes. Our rugby players and criminals, our car guards and (some) taxi drivers are evidence enough. But we also care, don't we? Look at all our sensitive nobel prize winners - in our leaders and writers. Look at our activists, and our artists.
This is a country that demands one thing of us: our humanity. It demands so much at times it feels like too much. I know. At other times, most of the time I hope, the demands we make of each other are demands we hope or intend to meet, if not now, then perhaps one fine day.
2 comments:
Hiya, Cool blog. As South Africans we have alot to talk through in the raw sense before we see real change. The other main issues in my view are the lack of delivery or resistance to face what is really happening out there by our government. In the end civilians would be more supportive and contribute more to the change that is necessary if the government led by example. There is a long road ahead and in the end we all need to work together be part of the change.
Thanks. Agree. We do have a lot to talk about. I also think white parents need to start coming forward in their families and owning the situation. Another important thing is that I think both blacks and whites - many -have valid grievances. Blacks have been oppressed, but whites have also not had a smooth sail (not in my generation). So resentments are natural in some cases, if not nice, and certainly not helpful. The key is to stop blaming the other and to start working together, instead of having a zero-sum game mentality.
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