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'People need to talk'

2008-07-25 13:00

Dear Editor,

Reading the response to the controversial Jon Qwelane column, I am struck by the general approach by South Africans to the airing of views which are at odds with another's.

There is a sacred concept of a free country and that is free speech. Whether you disagree or are offended by someone else's opinions is, to my mind, immaterial.

There is always the rider that free speech should never cross the boundary into incitement to cause harm. Offense though, is something entirely different. Causing offense should never be a criterion of whether someone may express an opinion or not.

JQ's column caused offense, as did David Bullard's, but so what? Instead of ridiculous moral posturing and calls for his head, his detractors should take him on and defeat him with argument. Silencing the voice is not the answer and can never be.

Expressing these types of opinions brings the subject into the open where it can be dealt with, instead of being left to simmer in whispered conversations and leading to unintended consequences.

People need to talk, uncomfortable opinions must be confronted or else we will live in a fool's paradise. Healthy democracies are marked by exceptional free speech where even the disgusting and diabolical may freely opine.

What SA needs is to grow a bit of back-bone, stick our chins out and be willing to go toe-to-toe instead of running to the principal like spoilt brats. No country can afford to lock any opinion away and pretend all is well.

Let them speak or be damned.

Zookeeper

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James 7/25/2008 12:58:11 PM
Personally I am sick and tired of these whining lefties, who have no tolerance for other people's opinions. Political correctness must die!

J Cilliers 7/25/2008 1:01:17 PM
Good grief Zookeeper, if you'd in fact done a bit of homework you'd have realised that the cause of the uproar is in fact the idiotic stance he has against gays, and the potential incitement his words can/will most probably cause. Violence against gay people in SA is brutal & frequent, so... Congratulations Zookeeper - you managed to brand yourself an idiot in front of the whole News24 readership.

Luanne 7/25/2008 1:02:48 PM
Well then, if it is fine to offend Gay people why is it taboo to print the Offending Danish Cartoons of Mohammed with a bomb on his head which offended Muslims? I agree that people should be free to express their opinions, but I think this should be done with out offence.

Johno 7/25/2008 1:06:34 PM
I detest Jon Qwelane and his views at times but I'll still be prepared to fight for his right to air his views. Sadly South Africans in general claim to adhere to Freedom of Speech, but only when the view is one they agree with. We've seen it over and over and over again.

Thabo 7/25/2008 1:12:47 PM
How often has it not been said that JQ should stop airing his views of hate. If he is not hating the whites, then its the municipality, then its the goverment, and so it continues. Now its the gays. As a journalist, he is constantly causing hatred, He should have been fired, as did 702. His journalistic skills are very poor. Everyting is personal. If I was his boss, he would be gone. He never builds up anything, well except mama Jackie

Vernon Wolf 7/25/2008 1:12:49 PM
I cannot agree with you more and I am of the opinion that Jon Qwelane is a complete buffoon that should stick to herding cattle... as I have the right to free speech, that's my two cent's... (doubt that this weak site would publish this as they have been snubbing my comments for a while now)

Sarah 7/25/2008 1:13:10 PM
No-one wants this right to be taken away. Having said that, I must point out that this particular right can be used responsibly or can be waved around like a loaded gun. I don't think I would be very amused if a member of the press likend me to an animal - I think the pinks have a point... Yesterdays rant (Gays are not animals) was quite enlightening. I am a bit disappointed that I am going to hell for cutting my hair & eating shellfish though ;)

Karen 7/25/2008 1:13:26 PM
Why is it okay for him to be homophobic, but David Bullard gets fired for being a racist. Bigotry is bigotry not matter where it comes from.

Ivan 7/25/2008 1:13:41 PM
I agree that one should be able to have freedom of speech. But don't use the media to spew forth your beliefs and harm people who mean you no harm. Just because I hate blue doesn't mean the world has to hear about it. He should have organised a debate with the gay community (and still can) and face those he have wronged in an equal forum. I personally think his a corward hiding behind the written word.

Draco 7/25/2008 1:13:47 PM
Any comment about contentious issues will offend somebody. Does this mean we have to keep quite just to avoid offence? Hell no, be proud of your opinions but allow people the right to disagree.

Charl 7/25/2008 1:17:54 PM
I agree with you zookeeper. As long as the speech is not intended to incite and promote any form of violence, it should be allowed. Correctness of fact is however a paramount requirement.

MikeT 7/25/2008 1:19:42 PM
It's one thing to have freedom of speech, and it's fine to disagree with people's points of view ... but Jon's comments in the national media aren't simple arguments and opinions. John's comparisons in my opinion are the same as saying Black people are like monkeys(not my personal view, but one that is equally disturbing and likely to cause offence). So, should people be allowed to print such offensive rubbish in the name of freedom of speech. I didn't think so.

Fish 7/25/2008 1:20:40 PM
Spot on! I agree 100% with what has been written above. It is one thing to cause offense and another to cause harm.

Malcolm X 7/25/2008 1:21:26 PM
All I know is that there is a hell of a lot of nasal twanging & squeaking going on about the topic. The poofs need some serious help & vaseline after this one.

Point Blank 7/25/2008 1:21:44 PM
Does that mean David Bullard can retract his apology?

MP3 7/25/2008 1:21:48 PM
I reckon, this whole thing has been blown out of proportion. The homosexual community has been belittled for eons. How's this incident any different from any other? Nay, build a bridge, there are hungry starving ppl in africa, lets focus our energy and attention on those that deserve it. Not this silly stuff.

GailC 7/25/2008 1:22:25 PM
I frequently get hot under the colour when reading JQ's columns however despite having a gay son I also defend his right to voice his opinion. How can we put right what is wroung without violence if we silence mere words? This is like putting a sealed tin on a hot plate and telling it not to burst. I did not read the column but inasmuch as bestiality is unnatural so too is gay sex but this does not mean we should not treat gay people with the same respect for their other contributions to society

Zoo Keeper 7/25/2008 1:25:45 PM
Read my letter again and maybe you'll get the point. JQ has brought an opinion which exists into the open. The type of opinion which may lead to the violence you speak of. JQ's opinion must be addressed openly otherwise mindsets will never change. Shutting it away will never stop the violence, it will only increase it. I defend his right to speak, not the content of his speech.

Kolobe 7/25/2008 1:25:49 PM
I said this on Chris Roper?s blog there are many times when I felt that Jon might have exceeded his rights to freedom of speech and but this is being blown unnecessarily out of proportion, the churches has uttered the same sentiments in the past about homosexuals, Jacob Zuma said himself that if any gay man would look at him lustfully he will moer him, believe me I am also under the impression that homosexuality is a fluctuating fashion passions orchestrated by wrong sexual orientations, I still believe that homosexuality is a choice, since many people that are gays were actually straight.

GailC 7/25/2008 1:26:55 PM
We should not disrespect people who are different from the masses and honest about who they are. JQ is different and his comments are designed to stir controversy. Did he actually advocate that we should kill gay people in as many words? Then I would agree with the protests because my son is gay but brilliant and compassionate and against violence towards the smallest of God's creatures.

Me 7/25/2008 1:31:29 PM
As far as we all agree to have our rights, Mr J. Qwelane has the right to express his disgust into an immoral society we are growing to be. Why should Gay ppl force straight ppl to like them. I haven't come across a form that states SEX MAle/Female/GAy or Lesbian why? I can only swallow what is in my mouth and no one is going to force me to swallow something else. To gays and Lesbians stop whining about your rights being violated and live your life.

reader 7/25/2008 1:31:40 PM
if we are all allowed to say what we like, do you think this will create peace and harmony... i don't think so. people will not sit around a table and openly discuss and fight out issues as you have put it. not all of society is as evolved as you would like and so freedom of speech will only cause hate and pain. it's never that easy.

GailC 7/25/2008 1:37:35 PM
Is homosexuality one of them? So why is it alone of all the sins singled out and the people who are gay or different singled out and violently attacked? Greed, lust, adultery, divorce, murder, hatred are all sins but they suit MEN so they're fine... All you threatened people need to get a grip, straight people have messed up the world not gays.

LW 7/25/2008 1:38:15 PM
"Jacob Zuma said himself..." So what? He also said that it was ok to sleep with an HIV infected person, because he'd had a shower afterwards. The man often talks shit. Fortunately your views re the cause of homosexuality really don't matter in the bigger scheme of things. Not at all. Thanks heavens for that.

Bokamoso 7/25/2008 1:39:46 PM
JQ is an opioniated individual who is lucky/educated/connected enough to have his opinions printed as well as Mr.Bullard.i respect their opinions.so what if he compared gays to animals,thats his opinions.what would have liked him to compare gay to?You guys needs not grow a back bone,we must learn to tolerate each other opinions,JQ & Bullard never claimed to be the spokesperson of the society or certain race.they just voiced their opinion and the last time i checked,it was called freedom of speech

Kolobe 7/25/2008 1:40:07 PM
I am not happy with the rights given to prisoners and I would not keep quiet about this and pretend as if I am happy, so does Jon Qwelane, he is not happy with the rights given to gay people and therefore he deserve a right to criticize any right in the constitution which he does agree with, I criticize the constitutional rights of prisoners, and I definitely not mean to incite hatred towards prisoners, period

Wiseman 7/25/2008 1:43:00 PM
I was appalled when Bullard was fired so I guess we should support JQ's right to say what he believes. Even if he is a racist homophobe.

Sam 7/25/2008 1:44:53 PM
To keep on hearing all hate related speach they can fill Jon's vacancy with Kolobe (grandson of Mugabe). Nobody can beat Kolobe with this it just flow out of the haert and you dont need a brain for this role. That is to say if there is no xenophobic attach on Kolobe in the mean time or deportation to Zimbabwe.

Luanne 7/25/2008 1:45:21 PM
Gay people are not trying to force you to like us. We are just demanding the same respect that every one else has. If you disagree with people being gay that is fine as it is your opinion. But there is absolutley no reason to be derogatory about it. Nobody would write an article as infamatory about inter-racial marriage would they?

Sceptic 7/25/2008 1:45:50 PM
You are such an expert at everything!!! You are one of the most intolerant and racist people I have ever come across. I distinctly remember you lashing out at Bullard for his remarks and crying for him to be fired. Now that a fellow black person is doing exactly the same, it is OK. So here is my prayer for you today: I pray one of your kids "choose" to be gay, and to top it, bring home his white-homosexual- DA-voting-Bullard-reading lover. Maybe then you will become a more tolerant and less hating individual. God only knows if we have more people as narrow minded as you around, our future is written on the wall in our own blood.

marius 7/25/2008 1:46:03 PM
you offend and not the group as such. So in this case I suppose he offended a senior of his with influence and contacts at the right places. How un-democratic can SA get?

MJS 7/25/2008 1:46:59 PM
Thanks Zookeeper for placing this into focus. A persons' opinion is simply that. Nowhere in JQ's column did he incite anybody, he let his opinion be known. South Africans need to grow some backbone and stop pandering to those groups who like to abuse this ridiculous pc culture! If you are South African and afraid of being attacked, then HELLO, this is what most of us feel on a daily basis!

Point Blank 7/25/2008 1:47:55 PM
You do not become gay by choice you numbnut! It is a proven medical condition. Jees, your ignorance is astounding. Black people are by far the worst you lot are so narrow minded and clearly ignorant to just about everything.

Confucious 7/25/2008 1:49:41 PM
Zookeeper, do you know that if you offend someone it is exactly the same as to incite to cause harm? Would you still have written this rubbish if Jon compared black or white people in stead of gays with animals? I thought not... Well articulated article but the idiotic message unfortunately does not match it.

Tim 7/25/2008 1:52:14 PM
What is it about this country that we are not tolerant towards people that are not the same as us. I am gay and I repectful of my fellow man whether he be straight, black or white. We live in a violent soceity and being intoleant only perpetuates violence.Tim

SJ 7/25/2008 1:54:40 PM
I think we all agree that freedom of speech should be defended but equally important is how such opinions are expressed. Stating that you simply don't condone the gay lifestyle is unlikely to cause the offence that for instance comparing them to animals will.

debbie 7/25/2008 1:55:06 PM
Both these men wrote offending articles, why should only the one be punished and not the other? Both these men should be treated fairly and equally as they both have a right to freedom of speech.

Cynical 7/25/2008 1:55:10 PM
"Healthy democracies are marked by exceptional free speech where even the disgusting and diabolical may freely opine." That statement just about sums it up hey. SA is not a "healthy" democracy, in fact not a true democracy in the first place so how on earth can we expect free speech? This is Africa for goodness sake!

CptCrunch 7/25/2008 1:56:08 PM
I can't believe I'm saying this my friend, but I actually agree with you on this one. Homosexuals love to be proud and out, all the power to them. However, we all have felt some kind of discrimnination of late, why make such a big fuss over this? It's a waste of time and energy!

Zoo Keeper 7/25/2008 1:59:23 PM
For the record I would. Don't assume I share your sensitivities.

Karen 7/25/2008 2:01:15 PM
If your Kolobe agrees with your opinion than you have a right to speak freely, otherwise not so much. I take it you didn't agree with David Bullard and feel it was absolutely correct that he be fired, Kolobe? ...and another thing, most gay people are born that way and try to pretend to be straight to please people like you instead of being true to themselves.

Mzekezeke 7/25/2008 2:02:41 PM
I agree that freedom of speech is paramount, however, it should not be overstretched. If your opinions are likely to offend people it is much better to keep them to yourself & perhaps friends. Emotional intelligence dictates that one should balance the freedom to express one's opinions with consideration to the feelings of others. Public figures should always be circumspect about what they say. We should not promote a dog eats dog society where you can say anything that comes to your mind.

Kolobe 7/25/2008 2:05:48 PM
Can people please read the article written by Jon and show me, where did Jon say that gay people are animals?? never did he say that.In fact Jon said that with the same rate people will request rights to marry animals, First it was only men and women, then men and men,now even women and women can marry, then Jon concluded that next people would want a right to marry animals.

al-pal 7/25/2008 2:07:34 PM
I cant believe that people are actually saying that his article is ok? Its wrong on so many levels, so if he can say that gay marriage is like sleeping with a goat then I can say that black people are monkeys and get away with it? Huh??

SB 7/25/2008 2:09:21 PM
JQ has ALWAYS been extreme in his opinions. Don't read them if they offend... He has knocked just about everyone else, why should gays be treated any differently? I have nothing against gay people but enough already!

Sceptic 7/25/2008 2:09:39 PM
That is one of the most value adding comments ever on News24!

Richard Hipkin 7/25/2008 2:10:34 PM
Ok interesting views there my brother. I agree that freedom of speech should be respected, but why does it seem that only a select few may voice their opinions publically while others are lambasted and dragged through the mud when they exercise that right? Surely what is good for the goose is good for the gander?

Mzekezeke 7/25/2008 2:14:44 PM
Black people are by far the worst you lot are so narrow minded. This statement itself comes from a narrow minded white person who thinks he's superior. Since when does Kolobe's opinions represent black people? I think your intellect (oops lack of it )leaves a lot to be desired.

Johan 7/25/2008 2:16:03 PM
Personally I think being gay is wrong(out of a religious viewpoint), and I will say so if you ask me, but at the SAME TIME I respect gay people. I don't hate them, I don't condemn them, I just don't agree with the choices they make. But then again, neither do I expect them to agree with mine. People have a right to their opinion, and to shout "RACISM" or "HATE SPEECH" or whatever else at the mere sight of someone that does not agree with you is pathetic.

Kolobe 7/25/2008 2:18:38 PM
Call Jon Qwelane names but gay is not ok, period.I am willing to take up my arms and kill for Jon Qwelane.Jon Qwelane should continue writting his articles even if he should do that in prison,we will elimanate every counter revolutionary againts his rights to freedom of speech.

Manthus 7/25/2008 2:18:44 PM
"Black people are by far the worst ....". Go to hell you fool.

Justine 7/25/2008 2:20:03 PM
You are absolutely right, JQ has the right to spew as much rubbish as he wishes, but I also have the freedom to choose not to read his hogwash. I refuse to open any of his columns, hopefully if people stop reading his columns, News24 will replace him.

anon 7/25/2008 2:20:56 PM
He can say all he wants, I won't listen. I'd suggest those offended do the same. It's really simple. If his pieces get no hits, soon they won't be published.

Stephen 7/25/2008 2:27:00 PM
Its important to here all the opinions in a country. it assists you in making decisions as to where to invest and live

Steve 7/25/2008 2:29:03 PM
So many times I'm heartened by the OBJECTIVE posts of so many black correspondents, and have hope that there can indeed be enlightened debate. Then, Kolobe, you come along and spoil it all - one just has to shake one's head and wonder if some of you will ever get a clue. Even JQ (whom you champion so vigorously) has slightly more chance of changing his mind on an issue. You just seem to get stuck? Perhaps electrotherapy would help?

J 7/25/2008 2:30:44 PM
If every one has that much freedom of speech where would we be. we would have a country of very vocal racists and homo-phobes. Yes we are intitled to our own opinions but where is the respect for other who are different to you? live and let live who are we to judge we are not God.

democracy 7/25/2008 2:35:11 PM
In every civilized society freedom of speech is a right, but it always comes with parameters and consequences. You oversteps the bounds of that freedom and the consequences kick in. Fire Jon.

Kolobe 7/25/2008 2:36:10 PM
Good to hear from you chief,was wondering what happened to you!!whats wrong in saying that you do not agree with this particular right enshrined in the constitution?well nothing wrong for me, this constitution was drafted by people and is subject to change!

Jeanaly - yes I am white 7/25/2008 2:36:22 PM
I agree with John this time. But not always. I do agree that being gay is not natural and hope that gay marriages will someday again be against the law. As most people. Bullard's article was however very unsensitive and rude. What gives him the right to say that black mothers will "just get more babies" if lions ate the some?!?!??! Wow. Racism in its purist form and a very hurtful comment. Have you ever seen a black mother loving her child - or a black mother crying after she lost a child

Sceptic 7/25/2008 2:38:17 PM
and whom are you going to kill you idiot? With your arms? haha And what exactly is a counter revolutionary? What revolution? Don't you mean people against Revlon? Do you wear Revlon? Maybe you are gay and all this big talk is your smokescreen?

manci 7/25/2008 2:38:28 PM
Hate speech is not protected under the right to freedom of speech and to be honest I think equating gay marriage and homosexuality is inciting hatred.

LvH 7/25/2008 2:40:05 PM
...Is to take them on and show them that their hatred of others can be induced by self hatred. Often, the most homophobic idiots tend to be closeted gays. They believe by publicly beng homophobic, they are convincing everyone that they are indeed straight. There was this American conservative minister in Denver who used to rent boys for his pleasure while preaching hatred against gays. So, Jon is probably gay and hates himself for it.

Richard Hipkin 7/25/2008 2:40:41 PM
Now there is a genrelization if ever there was one. Not sure if you just did that to incite a response but you are wrong. Do not become emotional and angry in your response, give your response some thought before typing.

Gray 7/25/2008 2:42:05 PM
A huge number of people are talking with their passports.

L van Heerden 7/25/2008 2:42:20 PM
Forgive me for finding a patronising tone in your post. Why should you have any special affection towards post on the basis of someone's race? Were you expecting less objectivity from black correspondents? What would you categorise as objective? something that agrees with you? I do not find Kolobe particularly intelligent myself, as he often argues with shadows he created, but to believe your understand objectivity better than the black people you judge is really patronising.

colin 7/25/2008 2:42:39 PM
Our society in general is going down the drain this OPEN society were everything go?s with no boundaries - I have nothing against people who are GAY, I do respect them and believe they have a right to be a part of our society but I do not have to agree with there lifestyles and what they promote as same sex relationships are against nature. I do hope our OPEN society do not developed to a point were pedophilia will be seen as normal and all pedophiles given the freedom to satisfy there sexual needs.

Gert 7/25/2008 2:42:50 PM
Voltaire said: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it"

Kolobe 7/25/2008 2:43:37 PM
Laughing!!that you did not find sarcasism in those statements, I borrowed them from one of my comrades...LOL

Len Anderson 7/25/2008 2:45:23 PM
Agree with you. I have a right to be offended by stupid whether it comes from Qwelane, Juan or Bullard. There have been times I have agreed with Qwelane, but half of what he writes is almost intended as hate speech and I should have the right to find hate speech hateful. I believe in the freedom of speech, but every freedom should come with responsibility. The country has many challenges, least of which is who another person chooses to sleep with. Let's find solutions not scapegoats

manicm 7/25/2008 2:46:23 PM
Jon's tirade amounted to hate speech - calling gays animals??? He should be fired like Bullard, and deserves nothing less than that. And if one disagrees with this than Bullard should not have been fired.

Richard Hipkin 7/25/2008 2:47:21 PM
Been busy! But back in Durbs after a stint in Gauteng. I support freedom of speech bro, but was just wondering where do we draw the line between freedom of speech and hate/racist speech. Personally, I think Jon's attitude sucks, he is fully aware that his utterances will offend and he is stubbornly adement not to apologise, that sends a message that he disrespects the constitution... well that's my opinion anyway, I could of course be off track here, what say you?

Kolobe 7/25/2008 2:48:41 PM
If news24 introduced the best comment of the next I will vote for you!!excellent advice

Len van Heerden 7/25/2008 2:52:32 PM
Odd how you defend one stereotype and then climb into another. Perhaps you were trying to show Kolobe how his support of homophobia can get back at him when his entire race is insulted. I will give you the benefit of doubt

L 7/25/2008 2:56:48 PM
Homosexuals are consenting adults and pedophilia involves a child who cannot be a consenting adults. In any case, I presume gays do not have to agree with your life style either. I have no doubts there are things you do in your home that others would consider to be against nature, but that is something between consenting adults and is none of anyone's business. Knowing you do not likfe their lifestyle is probably not going to affect them much.

Nathi 7/25/2008 2:59:09 PM
Jon Q you might be attacked left right and centre regarding your stance on gays but some of us are backing him fulltime including the writer of this article.As a father who has boys i fear for them because of the pollution that is propagated in the name of right.We are taking the issue of rights too far,to do what even animals dont do.where have we ever seen a male animal mating with another male animal.Above all if all people who are gays feel there have rights then J Q has rights and freedom.

Point Blank 7/25/2008 3:02:27 PM
Quite correct Len. It pained me to write that but I wanted to prove a point. My humble apologies to anyone I offended. I tried explaining my point but news24 did not publish it.

Kolobe 7/25/2008 3:06:20 PM
Offend(rub in the wrong way)does not necessarily mean hate(abhor, detest),if that was the case then have you realised that maybe you might have millions of haters!Yes the truth(in this case the bible truth) hurts...and If we continue to be limited with the truth,what kind of society are we going to have, just tell the truth and Jon spoke like a true moral ambasodor!

jeremy 7/25/2008 3:14:44 PM
I've been a journalist/broadcaster for many years and I believe strongly that there's a fine line between freedom of speech and hate speech. Gay people are a fact of life. The constitution endorses them. For Jon to say what he did is akin to saying "Hitler was a hero." It's wrong and hateful. The Qwelane's, Malema's and Vavi's must be brought to account before the HRC, if only for gross stupidity and ignorance.

JamesB 7/25/2008 3:22:10 PM
I'm more disgusted with the double standards of many of the news24 readers, who r only 2 quick 2 call 4 JQ's head when he spews his drivel directed 2 them as whities, but its totally ok 2 take on the LBGT community in an exceptionally offensive manner! Bigots, all of you! Well, the last laugh is on them courtesy the LBGT community. Only by standing 2gether & actually fighting, unlike the whining, do-nothing readers, the LBGT community has seemingly managed 2 do that they couldn't, get rid of JQ!

Mzekezeke 7/25/2008 3:25:18 PM
My humble apologies to anyone I offended. Firstly, your apology does not sound sincere and secondly, whatever point you were trying to prove was done in a clumsy & lunatic way. If you have nothing to contribute please keep quite.

Richard Hipkin 7/25/2008 3:28:01 PM
I guess what is one mans meat is another mans poison. Thank heavens we all individual with different points of view. I wil certainly fall short of lumping any praise on Jon as I disagree with his methods, I still believe we all have a responsibility to encourage tolerance and acceptance regardless of your personal opinion on the matter, one can of course express that opinion but in a way that will further encourage open and encompassing debate that will result in both parties respecting each others opinions and not further entrench a sense of hatred and intolerance. Have a good weekend bro.

Jacqui Bradley 7/25/2008 3:36:40 PM
this constitution was drafted by people and is subject to change - its possible but not probable that it could very well change back to the way it was if we dont learn lessons of tolerance and acceptance.

Unathi Kondile 7/25/2008 3:41:18 PM
As a journalist JQ is obliged to take extra precaution in what he spews. Sadly the quest to incite and being controversial nowadays overrides the basic principles of journalism especially where 'columnists' are concerned. No journalist in their right mind would go as far as JQ has. I doubt he'll ever write for a reputable publication ever. He and tabloidism/tabloid journalism must get more cosier together - because that's where he'll remain. JQ's latest article was his unique resignation letter.

Ernst 7/25/2008 3:44:53 PM
It's amazing that only 14 years after having been liberated from oppressive discrimination you and your buddy John Q thinks it's perfectly OK to discriminate against a group of society because of their sexual preference!!! Why don't we bring back apartheid while you're at it??? Here's your sign!!!

Just a girl 7/25/2008 3:49:54 PM
The Bill of Rights Equality The state may not unfairly disciminate directly or indirectly on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origen, colour, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, etc... Jon, you may have freedom of speech, but I feel you are discriminating against freedom of equality. Stand by your rights and I will stand by mine.

L van Heerden 7/25/2008 3:51:26 PM
Becareful of passing your ignorance as a norm. Homosexuality in the animal kingdom has been observed and well documented, Obviously, people with limited access will not know about information that requires research. This is due to certain sectors hiding any information that might be used to argue against the religious fundemantalist. I presume since you have not heard of research that proves black people are as intelligent as whites, you will keep with the stupid idea that blacks are inferior?

kwk 7/25/2008 3:53:34 PM
1) Freedom of speech allways rule: Keep JQ, reinstate Bullard, and withdraw the ban on the Mohammed cartoons. 2) Freedom of speech is okay must not offend: Fire Qwelane.Also bar publication of all publications with offending images of Jesus (in the same vein as the Mohammed cartoons). It's either option (1) or option (2). We cannot mix them and suppress opinions we don't agree with and okay others.

Worried 7/25/2008 3:54:06 PM
A white journalist would have been crucified for making just one of the many controversial statements that John has made in the past few months. Should a person have the right to say whatever he wants because he's black?

ICV 7/25/2008 4:20:11 PM
Don't the writers of these articles learn from others' mistakes? The only safe group to ''knock'' in an article is white people, just ask JQ, he's been doing it to his heart's delight. As soon as you write about blacks, gays and yes even animals, you're in trouble. If it takes the gays to get rid of JQ, go for it, I won't stand in your way.

Gillian Woods 7/25/2008 4:36:40 PM
As a member of the gay community that is constantly vilified by the likes of Mr Jon Qwelane, I'd like to point out that there is a distinct difference between freedom of speech & the hate mongering published in this column. A line needs to be drawn & we need to say "NO MORE" of this homophobia. We have a constitutional right not to have ignorant, false allegations made against us! Shame on Media24 for perpetrating hate speech.

GailC 7/25/2008 4:48:37 PM
Firstly, straight marriage is taken so lightly by so many that I fail to see what difference it makes if two men wish to marry or two women. In a time of such licentiousness generally we should be grateful that they wish to confine their sexual activities and caring to each other and remain faithful and committed with a blessing from a forgiving God. One of the criticisms and fears appears to be their supposed permissiveness and spreading of diseases like AIDS when in reality it is loose heteros!

Astounded 7/25/2008 4:51:26 PM
Being Homosexual is a 'medical condition'? Really? Do you think I could get a prescription to treat it? Fool! I think this anti-gay vibe is very funny ... do the very offended straight people think that homosexuals lie in bed at night thinking about how straight people feel about them?

Z 7/25/2008 4:58:19 PM
I hear what you saying and I have to agree with you. I fail to understand why WHEN one person voices his/her view about something we are expected or we seem to take it as TRUTH. The problem as I see it is the low level of debate. We seem immature to be able to debate and discuss with those with different views, instead we attack the person instead of debating the view. Does disagreeing with Gay life means that you HATE gays? I don't think so.

JP 7/25/2008 5:20:19 PM
It is quite ironic that the people who demand that we respect their views/beliefs (in this case the gay community. However, this holds true for religious groups as well) are never willing to listen to opposing views and respect them. I have the right to disagree with Homosexuality. However, that does not mean that I would attack or defame a gay person.

hastings 7/25/2008 6:17:07 PM
Jon q has an opinion, and we all have different opinions on different things. Lets stop thinking that we all need to think the same, as most of the times we all think the positive in our own way, surroundings and situations. Lets promote different opinions and tolerate, accept our differences, then we may realise that afterall the other person did not mean harm.

Mpho 7/25/2008 6:33:12 PM
The racist news24 moderators have not published my comment again!Is it because it was a response to your own red-neck buddy so-called Point blank?!!You are all disgusting and racists!!

Morpheus 7/25/2008 11:56:15 PM
I disagree most of the time with Jon Qwelane's statements and opinions. But I would rather hate to hear it than to have a country where I am forced to like and agree with everything.

J Cilliers 7/27/2008 3:19:27 PM
Oh spare me.. Anyone and everyone having anything to do with, or count themselves as a part of a community dealing with news & journalism (should) already have those views - and nobody is saying JQ is not allowed to voice opinions, but what EVERYBODY (and read all above comments) are saying is just that.. speak, but responsibly. Something JQ seems to outfail himself in almost every time he taps a keyboard.

Tebogo N 7/28/2008 8:36:02 AM
Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion like you all. Let JQ express his.

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