As a white South African, I feel ashamed by so many of the racist political rants on here. I know I shouldn't, because they don't capture any part of what I stand for or believe in, but I understand the hurt and anger they must cause black readers of these stories.
In some of those stories, and so many of their comments, I'm sure you see the face of exactly what you're afraid of, or have been told white people are 'really like'. I cannot speak on behalf of all white people, but I can honestly say that those racists don't speak on my behalf, or those white people I associate with.
It is these bigots' racism which gives the radicals from ANCYL valid ammunition for their senseless policies, and grant further impetus to the ANC's efforts for a 'Second Transition'.
I'm not going to trot out that huge cliche, 'I have so many black friends'. I don't have to. As far as possible, I try to ignore race, and react to everybody equally ... however, in South Africa's context I'm not going to pretend to be an ostrich and ignore the open social divisions and inequalities.
This isn't a topic for political discussion or my personal views on the solutions to South Africa's long-term problems. It's just a declaration that yes, I'm afraid of crime in South Africa, but no, I don't let that rule my life. And no, I don't blame or fear the majority of black South Africans ... in whose lives I can see the same hopes and dreams that I share.
Those racists don't speak for me. I understand if they anger you, but don't let that prejudice you against whites as a political and social category.
I wish things weren't this way, but they are and we all have to deal with it: with sensitivity and respect, rather than fear and anger. Anybody who agrees with me ... there's the comment box!
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