Here's another racist post

This post has been inspired by the current discussion on AB&H's blog about the bloggers' conference in Grahamstown.

I am not attacking the work you're doing... Vincent baby... love your efforts, think they're important for the continent 'cause... we wouldn't be having this discussion if you hadn't organized the conference now, would we? So you get an A+ (with stars and glitter) on that front. I just take exception to your use of the word "racist" in this context.

I don't believe that the word racist can be applied sensibly to an African. Please note I’m only talking of the African context. And I’ll be bold enough to say, the 'real Africa' not South Africa where everything is turned on its head... a great thing on most days... but can be very oppressive on the balance. The African context, if I may further explain, is largely one where 'white' people have all the means, and 'black' people are constantly made to feel inferior as they run to 'catch up'.

I feel Africans can't be described as racist, not because we shall forever remain victims, or because we're particularly virtuous, but because on any given day, ceteris paribus, we would not discriminate against someone on the basis of color in the same manner that non-Africans ( insert your favorite definition here) on this continent do. We may be evil, cruel, despotic, corrupt, tribalistic, etc... But racist we are not. So 'thanks but no thanks', I refuse to accept that label. For me, any behavior we exhibit that may even be loosely interpreted as racism is simply a reaction to, or a way of pre-empting racist attacks.

I know it is South African-speak, but you might need to be aware of continental discourse (e.g. the AID/donor factory/industry, neo-colonialism) before you apply the "racist" label to a discussion. There is so much brainwashing here... what with the most progressive constitution on earth, Nelson Mandela’s reconciliation efforts and second-only-to-Jesus status, 'African identity' now being extended to 'the rainbow' so that the true owners of that identity are now reduced to a color prefix before 'African'.

Before you jump down my throat, African identity has been discussed ad nauseum, conferences held, papers written (just google African identity), with no lasting conclusion reached. Indeed one can never be reached, so feel free to insert your own definition as I have mine.

God forbid you put anything in terms of white or black around here; everyone in the room (as long as they're South African) blows the whistle, reaches into their pocket and pulls out the race card, kicking you off the field of discussion and exploration. Let me cut you off before you say "if you don't like it, just leave"... I will. Soon as I get what I came for.

Before you remark that around here 'no good deed goes unpunished', I’d suggest that if the conference focuses on Southern Africa, say so! I know 'African citizen' has a much nicer ring to it than 'southern African citizen'... but there needs to be truth in advertising (may help the old cred you know), and you'll head off criticism that you're appropriating the noun 'Africa' for your own purposes, or that your efforts fall into the "let's help 'Africa' help herself" category.

I hear you on the credibility of blogs as a news source, but don't see any such concern in the rest of the world (and I can't wait to have my knowledge updated...). In case you missed the memo, blogging is about freedom of expression, unfettered rants and unpopular opinions... unless of course, I missed the memo, which is entirely possible.

All the best at the conference.