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some advice for everyone
31/03/2008 08:59
"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi - SMB |
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For once...a nice one Jon.
31/03/2008 09:02
Has the sky fallen apon us...are we are all dead...will Robert Mugabe actually lose the Zimbabwe election...has JZ's mouth outrun his brain yet again? Nice article Jon. I believe you are on to something. SA must stop trying to be so politically correct and must take time out to laugh at ourselves sometimes. I believe that by blacks using the word "Kaffir", it neautralises the stereotypcal white-on-black hatred that it was always associated with. - Over-and-out |
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It's your woodpile...
31/03/2008 09:08
We all the know of the idea about owning a word to take the power of it away. But licensing a word to certain people only, just gives those who don't hold a license, more power when they use the word, be it niggah, kaffah, or boy. The K-word really has no place in South Africa.... - Amanda |
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CONTEXT
31/03/2008 09:09
JQ you are 100% correct ? it is all about who is using the word and in what context it is used. I have seen at many times blacks using words like darkie and nigger and colourds referring to each other as boesman or even hotnot when in conversations with each other ? not in one instance have I seen them tacking offence from this as the word were not used to degrade or demise each other. It is funny that it is often white people who have the most to say when people like Mr Khoza and others like his uses the K - word but the same white person would use the K-word in daily conversation when referring to blacks and use the K-word to degrade and devalue the humanity of blacks. - colin |
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The word
31/03/2008 09:09
I thought the word was banned. Is it only selectively banned? Or do I misunderstand the meaning of the word 'banned' - Gray |
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Last Hurdle
31/03/2008 09:10
Great read Jon.This I believe is is one of the last big hurdles we as a society have to overcome.We are so race obsessed in this country that it impinges on our growth toward a united people whom identifies themselves as South African without having a one dimesional identity.Like being a black South African or whatever skin colour etc.You can thank this govt for stoking this fire for the last couple of years.Once they shut up we will recognised each other as individuals and get on with each other - psycobabble |
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But you know they will attack you John...
31/03/2008 09:10
...because most people in this country aren't interested in objective analysis...they just want to talk..talk..talk..and complain. I heard a few white folks ask "can I use it too since it's ok for Khoza to use it"?. I've never heard a more silly argument; under what circumstances would a white person use this word to a black person in a good way? When I grew up, we were brainwashed to believe that white folks were smarter...but I get shocked at their lack of logically arguing skills. - Jane Doe |
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Sense of humour !!
31/03/2008 09:10
Jon its not often I agree with you but its nice to know that used in the correct context it can be humourous. - Denzil |
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more about respect
31/03/2008 09:11
I think people have a natural right to speak there minds. However if you are in the public eye..... show a lil damn repect! - Rob |
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Can I call you 'K' as well, I think not
31/03/2008 09:11
This is a word that was used to keep our ancestors enslaved by using this word degradingly and inferiorly against them. Why continue to give this word so much power by making it popular and cool to other cultures when it has been used to degrade us in the past and it continues to sting the ears and pierce the hearts of those who have walked through the struggle and still remember when this word was used as a ?power tool? to provoke and antagonize the best of us. - mat |
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My Culture To Say It ????
31/03/2008 09:16
The 'K' word either conjures up ill-feelings or it doesn?t. It is either derogatory or it isn?t. The fact that black people feel comfortable using the term amongst themselves just goes to show that they make a big deal out of it when it suits them. As Jon says, we need to learn how to laugh at ourselves and stop being so painfully pathetic by over-reacting lick a bunch of self-un-reliant babies..... - Gestapo |
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idiot
31/03/2008 09:19
has nigger ever really been used in RSA? i''ve never heard it, unless you count youth imitating their hip hop hero.
I wonder how you'd feel about it if the Americans were calling each other kaffir in their songs? It would probably sting a little, the kind that never goes away.
i get the feeling that you've written this piece to provide support to 2 idiots that you feel some kind of unsubstantiated bond with, but you made yourself look like a fool. how's the woodpile? - Gareth |
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idiot
31/03/2008 09:19
has n!gger ever really been used in RSA? i''ve never heard it, unless you count youth imitating their hip hop hero.
I wonder how you'd feel about it if the Americans were calling each other k@ffir in their songs? It would probably sting a little, the kind that never goes away.
i get the feeling that you've written this piece to provide support to 2 idiots that you feel some kind of unsubstantiated bond with, but you made yourself look like a fool. how's the woodpile? - Gareth |
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My Word!
31/03/2008 09:21
So John, if a white politician used the K-word in exactly the same context, would is still be a hubbaloo over nothing? Or would he then have to resign to appease the people who are allowed to use the word. It's a case of what's good for the goose is good for the gander. Once again showing how small minded you are. - mk |
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the "K" word
31/03/2008 09:22
The "K" word (spelled "kaffer") is commonly used in Holland when referring to something stupid or stupid behaviour (?kaffer streek?). When used, it does not refer to skin colour or race. A friend of mine, stayed in Holland or a few years and -playing in the local football team- was commonly referred to as "blackie" as he was the only one of this colour and his African name was too complicated to be used in the heat of the game. It is indeed time that the SA population begins to laugh about themselves and their racial sensitivities. Many youngsters of all races are doing this already. Hope the elders will follow. - Benzo |
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My word!
31/03/2008 09:23
I have a Xhosa 'son' who often talks about me as his umhlungu dad; I take no offence even though I have seen Xhosa speakers aghast when they hear the 2 of us bantering about it! PS. For non-Khosa speakers, umhlungu is the word for white people, derived from the word for white foam or scum(!) that comes in on a sea wave. - Dave Robbins |
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Two faced
31/03/2008 09:24
Jon, the politician in question is known to trump or better bleat the 'race card' at every twist and turn.
His use of this very derogatory word is typical of our out of touch arrogant politicians. His insistence to not apologise says it all..
You articles drip with political biase.
I can only but laugh at the insight you have given us of your personal life... what stupid banter amongst friends - Craig |
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Insults can be disempowered...
31/03/2008 09:25
Jon is right here, we need to disempower the ability of a word to hurt. That can only be done by taking ownership of it. Maybe by laughing at what it previously meant as it is so ridiculous now and so ridiculing the insult itself. Once the word has lost its power, so has the person hurling it at you. - Zoo Keeper |
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Yebo Jon
31/03/2008 09:28
Nice one John.I was at a dealership the other day,and two black mechanics referred to each other as "kaffirs'.I almost choked,but they thought it humorous.Maybe someone should tell Mike Stofile to stop thinking like one. - Camel Man |
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Pitty issues...sick of them
31/03/2008 09:31
I share your sentiments,taking pitty things seriously tends to diviate South Africans from dealing with more critical issues facing them like electricity crisis,crime and of course economic/skills imbalances between races.
Other obstructs are Zuma's legal battles,Mugabe and his Zimbabwe etc. Sick of pitty issues. - Eitha |
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banter vs insult
31/03/2008 09:35
John, I agree the use of a word is all in the intent. But was the intent of the above two not to insult. Banter between friends are surely not the same ? - Leon |
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And had anyone else said it...?
31/03/2008 09:36
I agree that it was possibly an overblown response by everyone, but I can almost guarantee that had a white person said it, you would not be so flippant about it. How can you cry "racism" when one race treats you like that, but humour when it's your own? Double standards get people nowhere, I don't care who you are. - Lauren |
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When is it okay?
31/03/2008 09:36
When is it okay to use the word kaffer? If blacks use it, then it's fine, if cloureds use it then it's fine. But please do not let a white use it, here we come CNN, SKY etc. When will the people of this country realise that the people sitting in Government, political positions is there for their own agenda, never mind looking after the people of South Africa! Do things have to go as far as Zimbabwe for them to realise it? - Hennie |
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Re: John
31/03/2008 09:37
Overly sensitive? Of all the people you would say this. I agree for once with some of the things you say.
By the way, you should start your own TV show and just talk about racism. That's all you got on your mind anyway, Dr. Qwelane. - Anonymous |
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my word
31/03/2008 09:37
My Word Jon ,It takes you 2 weeks to think up a sultry story like this ,I pity you and the anger and pain you go through during those 2 weeks ,only to demise a country that continuosly picks its self up from the continuos jounalist slaughtery we go through daily.The best part is I havent bothered reading your rubbish. - ashley |
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Jon-boy
31/03/2008 09:37
It's good to see that here is light in the tunnel, keep it up Jon - Chris |
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example
31/03/2008 09:37
Politicians and people often in the public eye have a greater responsibility than the rest of the country to lead by example, why try to now justify it, if it was me that was saying it, you'd have an issue (yes, I am white). Get real JQ, people talking in e-kasie and using certain language is very different from Irvin Khoza at a press briefing or Butana getting himself all ties up again with his hot-headedness. - Lee |
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Disagree
31/03/2008 09:43
When Komphela used the word "kaffir," I did not object at all. I liked the context in which he used it. However, Khoza's use was offensive and he was right to apologise. So, I only agree with you half way. it is an offensive word and Amanda is 100% correct when she says it has no place in South Africa.
- niels |
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K-word
31/03/2008 09:44
The K-word should be exclusively used by only black people amongst themselves in reminding other blacks to behave appropriately, not like coconuts. I will take a serious offence if a white skin can call me by that name. - Calvin Mkhize |
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Public personality
31/03/2008 09:45
Well, Jon, how do you expect people to be logical about such an emotional issue, especially as the fires of racial hatred are being fanned everyday? If you use it in your daily life with your friends, I don't see a problem with it, but perhaps it is a little ill-considered for a person in the public eye to use it. - E |
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Don't kid yourself...........
31/03/2008 09:51
The word "kaffir", "nigger", "coolie", "chink",whatever should not be used and no race has the right to use it just because it refers to their racial group! These words were created based on a perceived sense of superiority and were aimed at dehumanising the very people they refer to. Regardless of what context you may use the word, it won't change their meaning and the sooner people realise that the better. - Brenda |
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All whites who say
31/03/2008 10:05
it will cause a stir when a white person use it, just answer the following simple questions, why would you want to use the word? and in what context? Which situattions do you think would be suitable to use this word as a white person and who would you refer to when using the word? Please dont use stupid arguments. - Funnybones |
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realist
31/03/2008 10:07
Use of those terms should be like a hot stove , touching it burns anyone, even nice people.
Reality is though any culture can use the derogatory terms about them to each other. ( ie nigger,pork and cheese, stingy scottish , thick irish.etc )there is a big difference between one on one banter and public speaking.
There are some choice terms I can use on the golf course to my boss that I cant use in the boardroom or press conference.
Truth is in public speaking choose your words wisely. - Realist |
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Nice one Jon
31/03/2008 10:08
Nicely put Jon, after taking a good look at some of your past articles and reading this one I start to see your viewpoints more clearly. Some people in this country need to learn to laugh at themselves, theres so much more to this country than at first glance. - MSF |
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Thats fine Jon...
31/03/2008 10:10
the danger is though, that it becomes so main-stream that everybody starts using it. even those that dont realise its history. Kids calling others "Nigger" or "Kaffir" could be very offensive, and is not to be taken lightly. You dont wanto contribute to that climate do you? - G |
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Just curious
31/03/2008 10:10
Is the name Calvin not of european or white origin?I know of many black folk who have changed their white name to a more appropriate african name.So who's the coconut now son? - psycobabble |
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Hypocrites
31/03/2008 10:11
I have no problem with black calling each other whatever they want. But use of the word "coconut" - which is inherently derogatory towards white people - is akin to a white person telling a white thief/murder/rapist not to act like a black/nigga/kaffir. Offensive? Yes. Racist? Yes. - Charles |
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Call me what you want
31/03/2008 10:13
Funny how it is only the non-white communities that are sensitive about names. I have never heard about a banned word for whites. You can call me what you want - it wouldn?t phase me. Why is that? It is just a word and its derogative value will depend on how the receiver reacts to it. If I was black, I would have insisted that white people call me ?kaffir? ? my reaction to it would have shown them that it has no effect. What happened to: ?Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me.? - Jon!x |
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kaffir
31/03/2008 10:17
I think your 100% corect - PHANUEL |
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Niggardly
31/03/2008 10:18
Why label people a twits if they don't understand the meaning of the word niggardly, besides there are soo many simple words out there that could have been used, this "kaffir mentality" of yours will get you no where, some of us don't spend time studying words but solving daily proplems. - Luzuko |
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Nice one
31/03/2008 10:26
Good article Jon, really good reading. Liked the comment about the "niggardly" administration ... - Justin |
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The context. JQ.
31/03/2008 10:30
JQ. The 2 men you trying to defend used the word in public. Any word can be used to in attempt inflict pain (Negatively) or joke about it. Khoza and Khompela used it negatively and in public. That is wrong. Does this make sense to you? - Afriman |
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No Justication for using the K-Word
31/03/2008 10:30
The difference is that when someone other than a black african person uses the word, they are labelled as racist. A persons beliefs, morals & values will determine if its acceptable to use. One cannot choose when and by whom it is acceptable to use the K-word. - Alvin |
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a name
31/03/2008 10:44
Surely, people with a modicum of intellegenge will realise that the use of words, can either be affectionate or insulting, depending on circumstances - who says what to whom etc. I can affectionately call my Afrikaans son in law a rock spider but would possibly take umbrage if someone else did. - sheila |
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And a "Coolie Creeper"
31/03/2008 10:46
A few years back that Brian Mc Millan was censured for suggesting that a bowler in his team bowl a "coolie creeper" at batsman Ashraf Mall. The use of the expression was subsequently outlawed by CSA. People who are offended by names, manifest deep seated feelings of insecurity/unworthiness. PS - my.news24 the glitch seems to have attacked the parenthesis with ?? again. - yt1021 |
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Black Journalists
31/03/2008 10:46
It is a shame and heart breaking that we left our two female black journalists to suffer such humiliation and lies. Mokoena and Strydom's live are threatened because we refuse to stand up for them. As a colleague of the two, I have NEVER seen a single report by Strydom on the ANC nor anything negative about JZ. Mokoena's stories have followed the same line as all newspapers. Please let us help them and not bury them. We have a duty to protect our own. We are failing them. - Phati |
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much ado about nothing
31/03/2008 10:48
What you "write" is much ado about nothing. - robert |
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To the twit that got away
31/03/2008 10:52
Great read as usual bra Jon. I'm thinking of doing a comedy on Mugabe and JZ. Oops! - Jairz |
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Context is everything
31/03/2008 10:53
Racism, like beauty, is in the ear of the beholder - Colin |
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@Ashley & Charles
31/03/2008 10:59
Ashley I think the person hurting is you. You claim not to have read Jon's article but you respond to him. Why open his articles in the first place. Between you and him I think you are the one having trouble to cope.
Charles, the "coconut" Jon referred to was a black man. Meaning they are black on the outside but white on the inside. Please are you big headed or something?
- CB |
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For Calvin Mkhize
31/03/2008 11:08
The word Kaffir is used freely amoungst our white community and it's not to describe a Black person, It's to describe something that is over the top or an idiot and often used amoungst us friends as playful banter. The only time we do not say Kaffir is when a mate who is not white is around as they would take offense to the word. Some white people have taken offence when they hear us but it's because they associate the word with a black person, WE DO NOT and therefore it doesn't bother us. - 2minds |
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