Usually, when I post something on News24, it is done by typing furiously while ALT+Tabbing between my work and what I am trying to convey in my writing. There are numerous spelling mistakes and the grammar is not much better.
Today though, I thought I’d take the proper time to write about something that frustrates me, something I cannot understand.
In the past few weeks, a number of articles have been published regarding white on black racism. Stories like these make me cringe because they perpetuate the notion that all whites are vehemently racists, who hope to see the return of the old South African flag.
And then I read opinion pieces like the ones that Laura Shortridge writes. It is confounding how one person is able to generalize the white population and her understanding behind everything whites in South Africa, say or do.
Laura’s next article addresses the responses she received to her previous one, where she writes that she is able to keep emotion out of debates and is therefore, better equipped to address a topic without letting emotions get the better of her.
Now, while I am not always able to keep emotion out of a debate, especially when that debate is something I feel strongly about, I vent my frustrations and concern through my writing because it is my way of channelling my opinions or feelings about the relevant topic.
Is debating something even worth the effort you put in, if you have no feelings one way or another on the subject?
What I take huge issue with (which I guess feeds right into Laura’s hands), is the way she seems to just “know”, what all whites think and feel. In her book, white = racist and privileged and black = victims who are continuously oppressed by whites.
Generalization is the name of the game and the weak attempts to vilify herself as part of those whom she criticizes, does not disguise her “Holier than Thou” attitude. I wonder sometimes if Laura ever stops to consider what other whites go through in their daily lives. Does she know how many of the things that white’s relay as their genuine fears and concerns are just brushed off as racially biased whitesplaining (her favourite word)? Has she even fathomed how being completely ignored about these issues might manifest themselves in our daily interaction with others?
I would love to hear what Laura’s thoughts are on black on white racism, black on black racism? Yes you read correctly, for example where EFFers have no qualm in labelling black members of opposition parties as tea ladies? Her dislike of the white population stems so much deeper though, right down to who gets the lead roles in superhero movies and who gets to play the villain.
What I would like to say directly to you Laura Shortridge, is simply this; you do not know me, nor the life I have lived, the experiences that have shaped and moulded my thoughts and views on the world. I personally suspect that you make your opinion pieces as controversial as possible, simply for the sake of being controversial and to gain attention.
Please stop apologizing to the world, for whites on my behalf. I am quite happy with the way I treat people and the treatment I receive as a result. Stop trying so hard to point out white blame and rather concentrate on how, instead of constantly criticizing whites and putting them down, we can reach the racial utopia you have envisioned, together.
P.S. Your blue hair offends me. I guess that makes me Smurff-ist?