I fully support the developments that are taking place in Africa, but I am a bit sceptical about the role that the Chinese are going to play in this continent, in the long run. Are going to see another form of domination of poor African countries that China is investing in now?
Although Africa has a potential to develop economically, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. Issues start at the bottom, like seeking to understand why our continent is under performing in all sectors, compared others. Once we know how to tackle issues from the root causes, Africa will still fail to make its mark on the world stage.
Daniel’s blog
Friday, October 24, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Poverty
Captain Morgan, just like you, I am a young, pissed off South African. The sound of gun shots, everyday; the muggings, the usage of brutal violence; have been my everyday experiences. I too have been a victim of crime in South Africa.
Life in this country could be so much better without high walls, electric fences and constant alertness that "maybe it is going to be me today".
I have seen the worst side of South Africa, but I choose to remain optimistic and actually do something about the situation.
Personally, I do not believe that the people who mug us and rape women are "useless mongrels" that need to be shipped to an island of highest calibre sinners. They are human, most of them have deeper lying social problems. I don't think that there is anyone in their right mind who goes out to specifically hurt or kill another living human being, but I know many people who will do anything to provide something to eat for their family, to send their younger sibling to university, like you and I.
Don't get me wrong. I do not condone any act of violence aimed at another human being, but what I'm trying to point out is that I understand why sometimes I will be held at gunpoint in broad day light. It is because I have something that they don't have. I have a guaranteed opportunity to succeed in life, and unless I am willing to share my resources with those less fortunate then myself, I will(indirectly)threaten their "down-troden lives", as an everyday reminder that their chances of amounting to anything are slim.
What is stopping us from taking an initiative to combat poverty? When should we realise that poverty plays a huge role in crime? Such realisations star with us, the victims.
Life in this country could be so much better without high walls, electric fences and constant alertness that "maybe it is going to be me today".
I have seen the worst side of South Africa, but I choose to remain optimistic and actually do something about the situation.
Personally, I do not believe that the people who mug us and rape women are "useless mongrels" that need to be shipped to an island of highest calibre sinners. They are human, most of them have deeper lying social problems. I don't think that there is anyone in their right mind who goes out to specifically hurt or kill another living human being, but I know many people who will do anything to provide something to eat for their family, to send their younger sibling to university, like you and I.
Don't get me wrong. I do not condone any act of violence aimed at another human being, but what I'm trying to point out is that I understand why sometimes I will be held at gunpoint in broad day light. It is because I have something that they don't have. I have a guaranteed opportunity to succeed in life, and unless I am willing to share my resources with those less fortunate then myself, I will(indirectly)threaten their "down-troden lives", as an everyday reminder that their chances of amounting to anything are slim.
What is stopping us from taking an initiative to combat poverty? When should we realise that poverty plays a huge role in crime? Such realisations star with us, the victims.
Comment on a post that destroyed itself even before I did
I tried to suppress my anger when writing this comment, but couldn’t. I extend my apologies to the author of the post I commented on. I’m sure you tried hard.
"Maybe it is only I, but conditions are such these days, that if you use studiously correct grammar, people suspect you of homosexual tendencies." ~ Dorothy Parker. My dear Azab’sh, if this is to be believed then you are certainly in the clear. If, of course you consider not having homosexual tendencies as placing you in the clear. But the quality of your writing aside let’s move on to more sustentative argument. I pose the question to you, do you honestly believe that straight people have been forgotten on this campus, you merely have to look at the way that certain societies advertise their events and still objectify women to know this is not true. One assumes that your beliefs are informed by your social interactions with homosexual people, but when does this occur? Your profile states that you’re 17, unless you’re doing so illegally, when do you get the opportunity to engage with homosexuals in an informal, non-academic setting? If you were doing so you would notice that the homosexual community doesn’t utilise the party scene to proselytise, they party simple for that reason: to party. You seem to be assuming that homosexuality is a choice, why would anyone CHOOSE to be persecuted as empirical evidence suggests still happens at Rhodes. I am in complete agreement with your views on HIV statuses, your concern is legitimate and more should be done to encourage discourse on HIV and AIDs. Azab’sh, I find your use of hyberbole in saying that half the campus is gay to be well implemented and rather humorous – at least I hope it was for comedic effect because if not it is a gross exaggeration which further illustrates your uninformed opinions about the demographics of this campus. Being a student of language I’m concerned by your phrasing of “This lesbianism thing” (or is it just another error?) because it loaded with ideology, and not positive ideology at that. I haven’t experienced the homosexual community as a militant force and perhaps you should consider just what it means when you say you are a “victim” of gay and lesbian belief systems. As for “except[ing]” (and once again, did you mean accepting perchance?) gay and lesbian people for who they are; do you not expect people to accept you for who you are? Maybe we should return to an Apartheid mentality where different methodologies are used for separating and denigrating people because of who they are. This would seem to be the devolution of our egalitarian society, so maybe you should consider the implications of what you’re implying? This “dirty” question you didn’t want to ask, (so cleverly disguised by your pretence of not wanting to ask it) about the homosexual people in high places enforcing their pride on others’ is wholly contrary to reality. Once again, my experience is that they encourage one to be proud of whom one is as a whole person, sexuality being just one aspect. But I’ll accept your emphasis of the issue to be a personal (if somewhat misguided) opinion. And if you’re so concerned about the HIV and AIDs issue, why do you put so much energy into gay and lesbian people? Or is there some sinister correlation in mind, because to me the issues seem unrelated. Perhaps you could clarify this next sentence in your reply because I struggle to understand it: “I strongly believe that this homosexual thing is temporally and it is corrupting the poor first years who are trying to fit in.” Or maybe I rely too much on logic and actual experience when forming and relaying my observations. Finally, dearest Azab’sh, I don’t want you to think I’m attacking your… ahem… interesting argument, but I think the weight of not only evidence but also of the popular opinion of fellow alumni would hold truer to what I’ve said than to what you’ve said. Think… actually think about it and I’m sure you’ll agree.
"Maybe it is only I, but conditions are such these days, that if you use studiously correct grammar, people suspect you of homosexual tendencies." ~ Dorothy Parker. My dear Azab’sh, if this is to be believed then you are certainly in the clear. If, of course you consider not having homosexual tendencies as placing you in the clear. But the quality of your writing aside let’s move on to more sustentative argument. I pose the question to you, do you honestly believe that straight people have been forgotten on this campus, you merely have to look at the way that certain societies advertise their events and still objectify women to know this is not true. One assumes that your beliefs are informed by your social interactions with homosexual people, but when does this occur? Your profile states that you’re 17, unless you’re doing so illegally, when do you get the opportunity to engage with homosexuals in an informal, non-academic setting? If you were doing so you would notice that the homosexual community doesn’t utilise the party scene to proselytise, they party simple for that reason: to party. You seem to be assuming that homosexuality is a choice, why would anyone CHOOSE to be persecuted as empirical evidence suggests still happens at Rhodes. I am in complete agreement with your views on HIV statuses, your concern is legitimate and more should be done to encourage discourse on HIV and AIDs. Azab’sh, I find your use of hyberbole in saying that half the campus is gay to be well implemented and rather humorous – at least I hope it was for comedic effect because if not it is a gross exaggeration which further illustrates your uninformed opinions about the demographics of this campus. Being a student of language I’m concerned by your phrasing of “This lesbianism thing” (or is it just another error?) because it loaded with ideology, and not positive ideology at that. I haven’t experienced the homosexual community as a militant force and perhaps you should consider just what it means when you say you are a “victim” of gay and lesbian belief systems. As for “except[ing]” (and once again, did you mean accepting perchance?) gay and lesbian people for who they are; do you not expect people to accept you for who you are? Maybe we should return to an Apartheid mentality where different methodologies are used for separating and denigrating people because of who they are. This would seem to be the devolution of our egalitarian society, so maybe you should consider the implications of what you’re implying? This “dirty” question you didn’t want to ask, (so cleverly disguised by your pretence of not wanting to ask it) about the homosexual people in high places enforcing their pride on others’ is wholly contrary to reality. Once again, my experience is that they encourage one to be proud of whom one is as a whole person, sexuality being just one aspect. But I’ll accept your emphasis of the issue to be a personal (if somewhat misguided) opinion. And if you’re so concerned about the HIV and AIDs issue, why do you put so much energy into gay and lesbian people? Or is there some sinister correlation in mind, because to me the issues seem unrelated. Perhaps you could clarify this next sentence in your reply because I struggle to understand it: “I strongly believe that this homosexual thing is temporally and it is corrupting the poor first years who are trying to fit in.” Or maybe I rely too much on logic and actual experience when forming and relaying my observations. Finally, dearest Azab’sh, I don’t want you to think I’m attacking your… ahem… interesting argument, but I think the weight of not only evidence but also of the popular opinion of fellow alumni would hold truer to what I’ve said than to what you’ve said. Think… actually think about it and I’m sure you’ll agree.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Beauty resides within the beholder
I am so tired of having people judge me just because of my jean size. So what, I am a young lady who enjoys her meals and has less time to go to the gym and exercise. I find it so hard to understand why people judge each other by their outward appearance. Why do we have to live up to the standards which are set by fashion magazines such as Vogue, FHM and Glamour? Do those magazines define who we are and what type of girl or ladies are seen as being more attractive?
Young girls have always had issue with the way they look, especially when it comes to their weight. I would know, I was once that girl and yes I might have grown but I am still that weight conscious girl. Especially now that I am in tertiary and I have people back at home looking at me with a different eye just because I have put on a couple of pounds. Why do they not see the same old girl who once wore that perfect jean size which they found as attractive and out going? Besides the jean size, I am still that out going young girl deep down.
Being a first year in a different environment, far away from your parents is hard enough on its own. We are also pressured with academic work, do you think we have the time to worry about how much we weigh? Well some girls do, and most of them do not realise it but the more they worry about gaining weight the more pounds they seem to pick up. Some girls are lucky, when they stress they eat less but other unfortunate ladies like myself, when we stress we find comfort in food. Do you blame us? This is the only thing that will never let us down emotionally, and at that moment it fills a certain gap which no one else seems to be able to fill. Plus one puts no effort in having a bite of their favourite munch.
Come ladies eat up; just do not forget to exercise. This will not kill you, not only will it keep you healthy but it will also relieve your stress levels, leaving you feeling happy and lively. This way you will not have the erg to snack when it is not necessary. You are not doing this for anyone but yourself and as Ninon de Lenclos once quoted; “Every action we take, everything we do, is either a victory or defeat in the struggle to become what we want to be.” This is a decision which needs to be taken by you, because you determine your own feature and no one else. We as ladies need to stop letting other peoples judgements determine who we are or how we should look. The ball is in our court and do not forget to; “Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher,” Oprah Winfrey. “We can't become what we need to be by remaining what we are,” beautifully said by the lady who has given me so much hope in my life, Opera Winfrey.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Gay Guys Gunnin' for my Groove
A story about Straight-Chasers
What on earth has this university done to me and my perceptions? I was told this environment would open my mind, ease me into having certain more accepting viewpoints on people unlike me – not that I wasn’t accepting before. I find inserting the male sexual organ into the same orifice that excretes faeces incredibly unnatural, and yet am able to, in a comfortable and judgeless manner, engage with gay men, I’d classify that as pretty damn accepting. Have I made a gay joke in my life? Yes I have. If that makes me a homophobe then please go ahead and imprison me with every other second person. If you have never laughed at a joke about a marginalised group then you’ve never heard one. The fact that the jokes are so un-PC is what adds humour.
For the sake of not having accusations of homophobia thrown at me, let’s establish that I have many gay friends whom I fully embrace for who they are. Part of the reason I’m even able to justify writing this is with their input. Different groups’ campaigns and personal accounts have helped me understand homosexuality better. I have been able to step up from simply accepting homosexuals to accepting homosexuality itself. With that out of the way I’d say that I’m qualified to make the observations that follow.
Here’s my problem. We’re so busy trying to redress the past, and combat ongoing discrimination that we ignore it when it comes from the very groups we are trying to protect. A current issue that most people, including myself, find repulsive is when heterosexual men rape lesbian women because they believe they can fuck the gayness out of them. The word disgusted doesn’t nearly do justice to my feelings on this matter, neither does it successfully sum up how I feel about the way gay men at this university seem to be under the impression they can alter the sexual orientation of straight men if they try hard enough. I have to concede that although definitely less extreme it is in essence a parallel of the unjustifiable ‘corrective rapes’. Perhaps that is a harsh comparison to draw but this message needs to hit home.
I believe sexual assault is the correct term to use when referring to an instance when another person touches or kisses you without your consent. If it is the right term- then I have been sexually assaulted. By a gay man. I believe this entitles me to be angry at that particular demographic, just as it is perfectly acceptable for a woman to be angry at “men, those pigs,” when something like that happens to her. Yet, although not unfazed by it, I haven’t slipped into a world of loathing, contenting myself with muttering about “them faggots” around a braai to the chuckling appreciation of my friends. Although a little begrudgingly, I would rather understand why this has happened to me a couple of times (you thought this was an isolated incident?) despite making it clear I don’t ‘box southpaw’ when I step into the sexual ring. I have a queer friend (he says I can call him that so don’t try pin a homophobic label on me) who’s positive he can ‘turn’ a guy he’s had his eye on. If I mention the possibility of him trying to be straight I get a look as though I’m talking in the devil’s tongue.
My acceptance of what I contend are very unnatural practices used to stem from a philosophy of letting people do what they want. Now it is based on knowledge I acquired this year that it isn’t a choice but rather genetic make-up that dictates who one is attracted to. The people touting this idea of chemical compositions of attraction– the homosexual community. So why do they suddenly forget that myself and other straight men are genetically compelled to like women when they try to bed us? With a reported 25 % of this campus homosexual the pickings surely can’t be that slim.
What on earth has this university done to me and my perceptions? I was told this environment would open my mind, ease me into having certain more accepting viewpoints on people unlike me – not that I wasn’t accepting before. I find inserting the male sexual organ into the same orifice that excretes faeces incredibly unnatural, and yet am able to, in a comfortable and judgeless manner, engage with gay men, I’d classify that as pretty damn accepting. Have I made a gay joke in my life? Yes I have. If that makes me a homophobe then please go ahead and imprison me with every other second person. If you have never laughed at a joke about a marginalised group then you’ve never heard one. The fact that the jokes are so un-PC is what adds humour.
For the sake of not having accusations of homophobia thrown at me, let’s establish that I have many gay friends whom I fully embrace for who they are. Part of the reason I’m even able to justify writing this is with their input. Different groups’ campaigns and personal accounts have helped me understand homosexuality better. I have been able to step up from simply accepting homosexuals to accepting homosexuality itself. With that out of the way I’d say that I’m qualified to make the observations that follow.
Here’s my problem. We’re so busy trying to redress the past, and combat ongoing discrimination that we ignore it when it comes from the very groups we are trying to protect. A current issue that most people, including myself, find repulsive is when heterosexual men rape lesbian women because they believe they can fuck the gayness out of them. The word disgusted doesn’t nearly do justice to my feelings on this matter, neither does it successfully sum up how I feel about the way gay men at this university seem to be under the impression they can alter the sexual orientation of straight men if they try hard enough. I have to concede that although definitely less extreme it is in essence a parallel of the unjustifiable ‘corrective rapes’. Perhaps that is a harsh comparison to draw but this message needs to hit home.
I believe sexual assault is the correct term to use when referring to an instance when another person touches or kisses you without your consent. If it is the right term- then I have been sexually assaulted. By a gay man. I believe this entitles me to be angry at that particular demographic, just as it is perfectly acceptable for a woman to be angry at “men, those pigs,” when something like that happens to her. Yet, although not unfazed by it, I haven’t slipped into a world of loathing, contenting myself with muttering about “them faggots” around a braai to the chuckling appreciation of my friends. Although a little begrudgingly, I would rather understand why this has happened to me a couple of times (you thought this was an isolated incident?) despite making it clear I don’t ‘box southpaw’ when I step into the sexual ring. I have a queer friend (he says I can call him that so don’t try pin a homophobic label on me) who’s positive he can ‘turn’ a guy he’s had his eye on. If I mention the possibility of him trying to be straight I get a look as though I’m talking in the devil’s tongue.
My acceptance of what I contend are very unnatural practices used to stem from a philosophy of letting people do what they want. Now it is based on knowledge I acquired this year that it isn’t a choice but rather genetic make-up that dictates who one is attracted to. The people touting this idea of chemical compositions of attraction– the homosexual community. So why do they suddenly forget that myself and other straight men are genetically compelled to like women when they try to bed us? With a reported 25 % of this campus homosexual the pickings surely can’t be that slim.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Rhodes is 'chilled' ?
The first year at Rhodes University is what some refer to as the year between high school and university. It is exclusively there for the inside look into university life but more than actually living it, a first year Rhodes student is an explorer and is discovering all the perks that there are without any of the responsibilities that come with it.
Some refer to first year as ‘chilled’, and it has come to my attention that it is not only the view of the first years in this regard but also of generally everyone on campus. I often hear lecturers say that first year is there so as to get you into second year “and then that is where the work begins”. A third year student once said to my friends and I as we were sitting on a Friday night watching television “This is the only chance you will get to go out so take it before it’s too late because once you get to second year, the fun is over.” After speaking to some second and third years about their first year at Rhodes some say that they actually remember bits of it because they were drunk half the time. The rest say that first year was fun but exhausting because a person had to balance their hectic social life with their academic one but once you get to second year “you don’t have a social life”.
This then made me wonder about how people made into second year at all. A later discovered that some of those that could not remember bits of their first year had to repeat it and the rest just found a way to balance their lives out. The normal routine was to attend lectures regularly until Wednesday, then miss the really early ones for the rest of the week and get notes from a friend at a later stage. If a person had an assignment due on Friday they would go out Wednesday and stay in on Thursday to do it. Some alternated between weekends so as to do work on one weekend and then celebrate doing the work the next.
After speaking to some first year Rhodes students, my speculation and suspicion into this matter appears to be confirmed. Rhodes first year students love to “get sloshed” as they would refer to it, and they are not shy about it. I have a person at my politics tutorial who is constantly late and does not have the work done most of the time. This person always excuses themselves by saying “last night was Thursday” which to this particular person seems to be a very reasonable excuse. Some first year students seem to disagree with this state of mind though and do not think that university is no fun and games whether you are in first year or not.
I for one think that everybody is crazy. Just to prove this I would like to state that I did this assignment at six o’ clock in the morning and that is just the beginning of my day. Journalism alone makes me stay up some nights now to combine it with all my other courses seems to be suicide. I happen to be only one of a large number of people who believe this to be true. I have no idea how people can manage to pass and still go out five nights a week. I am not a jealous person so I must say that I truly admire these people for being so ‘chilled’.
The first year at Rhodes University is ultimately a different experience for everyone but I would just to point out that just because I am in first year it does not mean that all I have to do is to be here in order to get into second year, it takes hard work, but I would also like to say that as a first year at Rhodes, being an explorer I encourage other first years like myself to go out once in a while and as some would say, its only first year.
Some refer to first year as ‘chilled’, and it has come to my attention that it is not only the view of the first years in this regard but also of generally everyone on campus. I often hear lecturers say that first year is there so as to get you into second year “and then that is where the work begins”. A third year student once said to my friends and I as we were sitting on a Friday night watching television “This is the only chance you will get to go out so take it before it’s too late because once you get to second year, the fun is over.” After speaking to some second and third years about their first year at Rhodes some say that they actually remember bits of it because they were drunk half the time. The rest say that first year was fun but exhausting because a person had to balance their hectic social life with their academic one but once you get to second year “you don’t have a social life”.
This then made me wonder about how people made into second year at all. A later discovered that some of those that could not remember bits of their first year had to repeat it and the rest just found a way to balance their lives out. The normal routine was to attend lectures regularly until Wednesday, then miss the really early ones for the rest of the week and get notes from a friend at a later stage. If a person had an assignment due on Friday they would go out Wednesday and stay in on Thursday to do it. Some alternated between weekends so as to do work on one weekend and then celebrate doing the work the next.
After speaking to some first year Rhodes students, my speculation and suspicion into this matter appears to be confirmed. Rhodes first year students love to “get sloshed” as they would refer to it, and they are not shy about it. I have a person at my politics tutorial who is constantly late and does not have the work done most of the time. This person always excuses themselves by saying “last night was Thursday” which to this particular person seems to be a very reasonable excuse. Some first year students seem to disagree with this state of mind though and do not think that university is no fun and games whether you are in first year or not.
I for one think that everybody is crazy. Just to prove this I would like to state that I did this assignment at six o’ clock in the morning and that is just the beginning of my day. Journalism alone makes me stay up some nights now to combine it with all my other courses seems to be suicide. I happen to be only one of a large number of people who believe this to be true. I have no idea how people can manage to pass and still go out five nights a week. I am not a jealous person so I must say that I truly admire these people for being so ‘chilled’.
The first year at Rhodes University is ultimately a different experience for everyone but I would just to point out that just because I am in first year it does not mean that all I have to do is to be here in order to get into second year, it takes hard work, but I would also like to say that as a first year at Rhodes, being an explorer I encourage other first years like myself to go out once in a while and as some would say, its only first year.
Integration? What integration?
When I first came to Rhodes University, all seemed well and ‘honky dory’. I easily got along with everyone regardless of their creed and background. We all tolerated each others’ space and differences. I thought I had finally reached my ideal destination whereby a person is not judged by his race and class, but by what he does at a given time and place.
Little did I know that my overly idealistic assumption would come crashing as the time went by, when true colours dared to reveal and expose some of the condescending racist bigots that live amongst us. As the time went by, I have been driven to behave in the most ruthless of manors, when a generalised racial comment or two, slips past the mouth of a self righteous nineteen year old fellow student.
I am deeply concerned about the levels of the lack of understanding of African people’s culture and way of life. When certain values and standards are imposed to the wrong people in a wrong way. I am referring to the prevalent of racial undertones directed at those who are not yet ready to accept the “better life”. Questions about other races in public discussion forums that show complete arrogance ignorance on the part of the introducer.
Questions like these (sourced directly from Facebook):
“Hey guys, I need some questions answered please? Can anybody help?- Have you ever heard of a white person raping a six month old baby?- How often do you hear about white hijackers?- Why are ghettos the most violent neighbourhoods anywhere in the world?- Why are 90% of our prisons populated by non-whites?- Can you name 5 famous black inventors (Without google'ing)?- Why do black people breed like rabbits, even if they can't afford the child?- Why is HIV by far more prevalent in black communities?- Why are our pass rates and education standards some of the lowest in the world?- Why don't you see white people striking and burning schools for example - Why do black people litter everywhere they go if they have so much respect for SA?- On which other continent do they hack off the limbs of women and children?And it's such a mystery why white people are so frustrated!”
This is the most suitable reply that immediately comes into mind:
How many times must the African people answer these questions to their European-African peers? How many times must we go out of our way to shatter all the misconceptions that the European-Africans residing in Africa have about us? How many times must we remind them to use logic before they ask lame, demeaning questions about us, the racial group they have lived with for decades, but still know very little about; while We understand and never judge their way of life? It baffles me. Yes we have adopted the European lifestyle; yes we have made an effort to learn their culture and language. We also subscribe to their ideologies and indeed aligned ourselves with some of their old age values, which some of us now also strive to preserve. That does not mean we have abandoned our lifestyles for the "better" European culture. We are merely making means to co-exist within a dominantly capitalistic society. I am angry that at this day, I am still expected to for example, speak “fluent, proper” English when I am at tutorials; but what about my own? When can I perfect it? When can I get a chance to also abruptly correct a none (native language) speaker when they make a mistake?
As far as I am concerned all the things that the Europeans value and imposed upon the world are not so important when you really come to think of it; look at formal education, economics, structural governing systems (democracy) and of course biblical values.
Personally, if I decide to live in an isolated mud rondavel/hut, slaughter and eat beasts, have 74 children, have a chief as my leader, if I believe in ancestors or if I choose acquire my knowledge from grandparents and peers while herding stock in the veld I do not need anyone telling me that my ways are "filthy", "heathen", "need to be changed or to improve, even". I do not need infiltration and suggestions. I would be happy, if they keep their cultures to themselves.
Before people decide to ask questions like that, slander or judge the African population (faults and all), look at how far we have gone and always know that the Africans were very happy with their "old" ways, until Europe came along....
Therefore, as a proud (brown skinned) African, I choose not to directly answer your list of questions as I feel they undermine my race. Your questions are generalised and highly biased; probably no answer will satisfy you as you seem to have concluded about the doom of the African nation.
Sourced from a Facebook discussion.
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