We must get rid of racist mindsets
THIS attitude about colonialism will represent the underlying feeling of most privileged English and Afrikaans Capetonians, although few will admit it.
This comes ultimately from a belief that pale colonialists were and are superior to other tribes. This attitude is still held by the majority of privileged Capetonians.
It is completely unacceptable as it is a good example of “institutional racism”, or “blind racism”, where the privileged person doesn’t see the failure and wickedness of the colonial model.
Zille made an equally inappropriate remark about student protesters earlier and was not taken to task by anyone.
If privileged people are unaware of the embedded prejudice of the colonial model and how it took advantage of vulnerable rural people and forced them into labour and took away their land, they should keep quiet .
The fact that Zille is a politician trying to take over from the ANC means her comments are even more inappropriate. The DA will have to get rid of or change the racist attitudes of these privileged Capetonians, otherwise they will not be a suitable alternative to the heavily compromised present ruling party in 2019.
Colonialism is built on classism and classism is essentially racism. If you treat a person differently because of their class or colour or belief then you are a racist.
Cape Town’s English and Afrikaans first language population have a long way to go before people whose first language is not one of these two languages feel welcome at universities and other institutions. MICHAEL PICKSTONE – TAYLOR Franschhoek