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My heart is sore witnessing the horrific violence committed against our brothers and sisters. Yet, it's easy to sit on the side lines and lament about how tragic and barbaric the events of the last week are. And many people are asking how did this happen? How can South Africa be here?
And here is my question to you South Africa - How have you contributed to the South Africa of today? Recently a friend shared with me that she has had feelings of of wishing foreigners would go home. But not like this.
I'm sure this sentiment is shared by many, even though, perhaps none meant it to get to this. Or the conversations where hints are thrown about how Zimbabweans are the criminals and Nigerians commit fraud and deal drugs. Easy to blame others. South Africa, we never meant for it to get to this, but we need to ask ourselves – are our thoughts and words acts of hatred or love? For when I cast judgment on another human being who is different, then it is certainly not an act of love. And it's just as easy for you and I to look at what is happening as if we somehow have no responsibility to the situation. Easy to cast 'others' as monsters. We all have prejudice in us. And we all have moments where we think hateful thoughts. Sometimes well meaning ventures contribute unknowingly. When I use the language 'my people' or 'those people' referring to any sub group culturally or racially I create an US /THEM conversation. It is this same conversation that begins the acts of violence we now see. It is this same conversation that many of us South Africans, you and ME...have had over the dinner table that has played a role in the events of this week. South Africa, if we want poverty, violence and crime to stop – it will only be when each one of us can see everyone as a part of ourselves. That even the man or woman who commits the crime is a part of my people, my family. No one is outside of me. And if it were my family in crisis, if it were my family being accused, my family earning below the breadline, my family who had just lost their job, my family without a home, my family who had been raped, my family who had committed a murder, my family in pain – just what would I do? These events are only a reflection of a much deeper crisis in this country. A crisis of hatred. A crisis of poverty. A crisis of fear and hopelessness. And the question I ask myself – is what action can I take today? So many people I know want to make a difference but are waiting to make money first or become successful. Or people who sit around drinking and talking about it instead of taking action. What am I waiting for? 'Each of us must be the change we want to see in the world' - This is my favorite quote from Gandhi So I know I need to check my beliefs, my language, my thoughts, my actions. My thoughts, words and actions and your thoughts, words, actions TODAY will determine the future of TOMORROW. This crisis begins and ends with me. And yes, it also begins and ends with you. My heart is sore. May peace and love be with everyone who is affected by this. Jo Copyright 2008, JO's Blog, Bits of Humble Juice Kalavati Homepage
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