It seems that the conservative portion of South Africans has gotten so alarming that practically every statement even mildly controversial appears to cause some kind of furor.
Unfortunately, and not for the first time, 5FM DJ Gareth Cliff has been embroiled in the midst of an entanglement, caused by some people who are just amazingly shallow and hypersensitive. The latest debacle concerns his mentioning that God is "petty."
Perhaps, it was simply taken out of context, however that utterance went on to cause some people to begin falling over themselves in, as they put it, "shock and outrage."
For some strange, mystical reason, it seems that where politics or issues of a lesser seriousness are concerned, controversy is perfectly acceptable, but at the first mention of religion, then one has to tread as if walking on eggshells.
You would think that why this is so should be far beyond anyone with a working frontal lobe. But then again, some people are simply way to PC.
Ironically, a large portion of those who are overtly sensitive are the same ones who regard politics as an issue of lesser seriousness and possibly regard the issue of which DJ to complain about as having magnanimous importance.
Really now, if at every remark of even slight controversy, people are to begin all but frothing at the mouth, then surely the logical alternative would be to simply lock yourself in a dark room, without curtains or even windows, and wallow in the sound of your own (uncontroversial) voice.
Even more ironic is that time and time again we see that those who complain perpetually about a certain columnist, DJ, TV presenter, weatherman and neighbors' colour sense are the very same who perpetually listen to and engage with the very cause of their dissatisfaction.
How about these mind-numbingly brilliant alternatives: If the cause of your seizure be a radio DJ, then why not simply change the station...permanently?
If the cause of the sudden increase in heart rate is a columnist, why not buy another newspaper? Or better yet, buy the same paper but ignore the particular columnist's article.
Changing the station
Those questions are exceptionally rhetorical because, seemingly, those who complain about every other irreverent statement are the same lot who simply love complaining and pursue it with the enthusiasm of a heartwarming hobby. Changing the station, for example, would not afford them the opportunity to complain, which in turn may lead to another cause for seizure.
There are so many issues that warrant complaining, yet these are often pushed to the side to make way for rigorous discussions on minute issues that were simply intended for the purpose of humour.
Is not time to be adult about things and, instead of running around frantically starting petitions to get people censored, just grow an amiable sense of humour?
We are, after all, a nation rich in diversity, and subsequently, South Africans especially, should be far more open, tolerant and understanding, instead of harbouring unneeded bitterness.
It really is a sad cycle of frenzy, this complaining-as-a-hobby business.
We South Africans are an amazing lot, aren't we?
There, I've just given you something to complain about...
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Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.