Colonists like rapists

I REFER to the recent topic of Helen Zille’s tweet about colonialism and would like to add the following:

When it comes to the subject of colonialism, the argument often propounded in private is that colonists educated the inhabitants of “backward and undeveloped” African lands and gave them the benefits of modern technology and infrastructure, for which they ought to be “grateful”.

But this is a fallacious argument, because it is like saying that a woman who falls pregnant and gives birth after being exploited by a self-serving rapist should at least be grateful for having the benefit of a child. Surely it is far better if a woman gives birth to a child born out of a relationship with a loving, nurturing and caring husband or partner?

Colonialism, of course, has much to do with classicism, which differentiates and distinguishes human beings based on “them” versus “us” class criteria, such as education and wealth (or lack thereof). And this often then spills over into other “them” versus “us” criteria such as culture, creed, language and skin colour. Did colonialism nurture and lovingly care for, improve and enhance the self-esteem and dignity of indigenous Africans in their own lands? No. It did none of this! All it did was to spawn modern-day racism in all its shapes and forms, both overt and subtle.

The only way to eliminate this unfortunate legacy is for all South Africans to stop talking about the past and conscientiously strive to build a better future by reaching out to one another with genuine care, compassion and love and, for heaven’s sake, to stop talking about the “benefits” of colonialism! Guy Macleod Plumstead