Racism Again
If my previous hypothesis about racism being a form of arrogance is correct, then we need to look at the roots of arrogance as well, to understand racism. Arrogance is normally displayed by those with an ingrained feeling that they are better than other beings around them. Lack of empathy, tolerance and patience are indications thereof. Also, lack of adherence to common social rules such as littering, mistreating animals and plants, etc, since these show disrespect for your fellow beings, and indicate you think you have rights above those of your fellow beings. Anti-social behaviour such as driving 4x4’s could also be construed as arrogant. In this light, we need to consider the government’s affirmative action campaign, and minister Pahad’s vehement remarks on keeping affirmative action entrenched forever. Its true that people do seem to be polarising more, but this is only partly due to the entrenched racism, and arrogance, displayed by the Afrikaans community, particularly the lesser educated and civil servant types. It is being driven by the feeling that the Government is particularly against whites, wants to take what they have away, and confine them to poverty or send them overseas. So why not? This isn’t racist – its not being particularly nice, but it is responding to the majority’s will, and it’s up to the whites to defend themselves. If they begin restricting the whites’ freedom, and telling them what they can and can’t do, then its becoming racist. Also, you need to differentiate very strongly between racism and other kinds of behaviour. Many people say they are racist, simply because they see and take note of the obvious natural appearance and cultural differences between blacks and whites. Their behaviour suggests otherwise; they are courteous, and respectful, towards other race groups, acknowledging differences with humility, mixing naturally with others. There is no doubt that these different race groups think differently and act differently on a very basic level, commensurate with their cultural backgrounds, environment of upbringing, and yes, (gasp), their evolutionary background. Acknowledging this is NOT racist, just as acknowledging that the elephants, for example, are different from the rhinos is not racist. What is racist is the feeling that the elephants are superior to the rhinos, and are therefore qualified to decide their future, and what they should be doing. In SA, one race group must be in charge of everyone one way or another, and that group should be the majority, as it is. As long as the minorities are treated with respect and humility, no one has a right to complain. Instituting affirmative action, and even banning all whites from any kind of employment whatsoever, is definitely not disrespectful to whites. Its very respectful, an acknowledgment of their abilities. And it is incumbent on the minorities’ leaders to try to end affirmative action, to help their kind.
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