Gava Kassiem
The recent Theunissen racism incident affords us yet another sad glimpse into our fragmented and traumatised society. The media and social networks provide a much-needed channel for those who feel compelled to respond, albeit for personal or political gain. Yet history has demonstrated time and time again that castigation, retribution and condemnation are by no means solutions to one of South Africa’s endemic problems – racism.
There is currently no acceptable South African definition of what constitutes racism. The following extract presents a bold attempt: "Racism is any communication, action or course of conduct, whether intentional or unintentional, which denies recognition, benefits, right of access or otherwise abrogates or derogates from the constitutionally recognised rights and freedoms of any person or community on the basis of their membership or perceived membership of a racial group.
"The fostering and promoting of uniform standards, common rules and same treatment of people who are not the same constitutes racism where the specificity of the individual or community is not taken into consideration. The public dissemination of any communication or statement which insults a racial, ethnic or cultural community or which exposes them to hatred, contempt or ridicule also constitutes racism (Source: Saugeen Ojibway and others, Canada 1993)."
The recent spate of incidents indicates a new generation of racists emerging. It was rather naïve to believe that each and every South African citizen would miraculously be blessed with an ubuntu disposition after the birth of our democracy in 1994. The elation has faded slightly after 22 years and brought us face to face with the stark reality – racism is alive and living among us.
In order for us to change the status quo we need to once again confront the trauma and suffering we experienced as a nation. We need to start the agonising process of extracting those evil roots. We need to be champions in our homes, our schools and our communities by vigorously developing young citizens with an ubuntu perspective.
But more importantly we need to assist those who have racist tendencies by educating them and providing them with the necessary tools to guide them. We need to support both victim and perpetrator.
The time has come for ordinary South Africans to tell their stories. So here’s my story…
From a young age I observed that my family and neighbours always spoke about white people in a derogatory manner. An intensely personal encounter with a white male occurred when I turned 12. One afternoon, on my way from school, I was sexually abused by an adolescent white boy. The pain and humiliation of that incident left indelible marks on me and entrenched the fact that white men are manipulative, abusive and opportunistic.
My second encounter was when I was in high school during the turbulent 70s. I participated in a protest meeting in Cape Town. The crowd was given five minutes to disperse, but the students, being brave soldiers of the freedom movement, stood their ground.
After five minutes, riot police rushed into the crowd of students, brandishing their batons and I was severely beaten. As I ran past a stationary police vehicle, a white police officer put his hand out and smacked me across my face, and I fell to my knees. The resultant red and purple welts consolidated my loathing for white males. I spent the next 20-odd years of my life treating white males with the disdain that I thought they deserved.
My third encounter occurred during my twenties. When my partner and I arrived at a drive-in, the white man behind the counter informed us that we were not welcome. He was, however, willing to make a concession. We could come back later so that people would not be able to discern our race. My partner and I were too humiliated at this insensitive suggestion and we left, bitterly disappointed but scalded to the core.
With the onset of our new democracy I was catapulted into working with white males and had to negotiate and subdue my intense feelings. So in the spirit of reconciliation and emulating our new president I made a conscious decision to step up to the plate. I took an oath, wrote it down and signed it. It reads: From this day on I will no longer judge people by the colour of their skin. I will make a judgement call on characteristics such as laziness, incompetence, immorality and the like, but not skin colour. It remains a struggle but my mantra is simple: My name is Gava and I am not a racist. E-mail your story to [email protected]
● Kassiem, an educator for 20 years and prolific writer, changed careers in 1999 to become a language practitioner at National Parliament. She holds a Master's degree in language practice from the University of the Free State