It is time to stop accepting racism

Viasen Soobramoney laid charges against two racists who deliberately slammed into his car and verbally abused him.

Viasen Soobramoney laid charges against two racists who deliberately slammed into his car and verbally abused him.

Published Oct 28, 2016

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Viasen Soobramoney made a conscious decision not to turn a blind eye after two racists deliberately slammed into his car and verbally abused him.

I'm quite fed up with people who believe they are better than others because of the colour of their skin. Who gives them that right? Why do we just accept this injustice. You see, my family has a long history of accepting the situations they found themselves in…

When my grandparents were forcibly removed by authorities from their home because the government wanted their land. They accepted it.When my dad was refused entry into a Johannesburg swimming pool - he accepted it.When the government decided to turn my grandfather's graveside into a sports field. My family accepted it. We were told where to live - we accepted it. We were told what to do - we accepted it.

So when I was confronted by two racists who slammed into the back of my car on purpose last week, I was tempted to accept it. When they got out of their vehicle, banging on the roof of my car, swearing and threatening to assault me, I was tempted to accept it. When they told me that this was “not the new South Africa” - I was tempted to accept it. The fact that I had a female relative in the car did not deter them. They were vicious, spewing racist vitriol. I had a choice to make…. and I chose NOT to accept it.

You see, this IS the new South Africa. A South Africa where we all have equal rights and the colour of your skin does not make you superior. If you don’t like it – leave. Quite frankly, I am growing disgustingly tired of racists. They are rubbish and rubbish belongs in a bin. Racists need to be taught a lesson. Racism has no place in our society. It is the single most destructive thing threatening South Africa. If you have ever experienced racism, you will understand the tremendous indignity. It is a feeling I never want to have again. It is a feeling my kids should never feel - ever.

How much longer are you going to accept it? How many more times are you going to turn a blind eye to it? Think carefully now and be honest. Examine the people in your lives. Start with your immediate family and work your way out. Now examine your friends. How many racists do you know? You see, these two fools are just a small part of a bigger piece of society that peddles racial prejudice. Think about all the incidents of racial prejudice you or your family or someone that you know has experienced in their lifetime.

I'm looking forward to meeting my racists in court. I'm looking forward to teaching them a harsh lesson. I felt quite happy after opening a case of crimen injuria at the Parow SAPS in Cape Town. It was an act of non-acceptance. I have made a decision to stop accepting racism in whatever shape or form.

So the next time you are confronted by a racist or in the presence of one – Do NOT accept them.

* Viasen Soobramoney is Group Executive : Multimedia at Independent Media SA.

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