Heavy burden of ideology of race
PERHAPS the greatest folly of all humanity was the conception of the ideology of race.
As a result, this concept has been fundamental in the proliferation of conflict, hatred and disharmony the world over – and South Africa is no exception.
In fact, we as a country have become the focus in recent times of how the notion of race harvests discontent, that allows it to permeate through all facets of everyday life.
However one may want to argue about the concept of race and racism, it will always remain that “Sword of Damocles” that impedes progress towards a cohesive and peaceful society, as even the slightest intonation of some kind of racial superiority or inferiority will evoke reactions that can only be destructive in the end.
The uniqueness of South Africa’s diversity is not so much that we are being led by a historical past founded on colonial and racial backdrops, but rather as to how such influences have guided our social mentality, as we meandered through various transitions, leading ultimately to the universally acceptable structure of a democratic order.
The very idea of race creates inequality – it is seminal to the status quo we currently exemplify, as every day some or other racial outburst, perceived to be derogatory, finds a way of stirring emotions, which deepens the chasms of mistrust, discord and even hatred.
That we exist in a highly racialised society is a given, but inherent in such an existence is a disturbing trend to use the concept of race as a means to nidify political ambitions, which eventually diminishes any hope for progress and social development.
While we are constitutionally protected against racism, there can be no gainsaying that, at one point or another, most of us have been guilty of pointing a finger at another “race” purely because that race is “not one of us”.
There can be no question that the ideology of race was an excrescence to the social fabric of all humanity, resulting in untold misery to many – but instead of removing such a concept, we have actually enhanced and proliferated the value of race simply as a means to further divide us all.
The writer’s disapprobation of the notion of race is compounded by the fact that for as long as we subscribe to the idea that we are different simply by some unwarranted classification, then we will forever be so.
Yet we are no different from each other. We may have biological or anatomical or even phenomenological differences, but in essence, we are all the same. Therein perhaps is the basis of a solution that we all should and must seek. For as long as we spawn suspicion and harbour levity against our fellow man purely because we perceive them to be different, even when they are not, then we lay bare our very own inadequacies that translate into active racism.
Racism, very often, is latent. It festers and manifests in the deep crevices of the hearts and minds of those less capable to discern the true realities of our times.
Human nature is so well disposed of that we have become masters of running with the hares and hunting with the hounds with regards to racism.
We may, on the one hand condemn racism where necessary, but then condone it when it suits us. This must stop.
A radical paradigm shift, not in thought but in action, must follow as an act of unifying and creating that cohesion we so desire.
The partition that the concept of race has built over many centuries has translated into pernicious racism that is being fomented by political opportunists like EFF leader Julius Malema, who seeks to gain political capital by derogating from the truth and the current reality.
In South Africa, a very symbiotic relationship between race and the zest for power has taken prominence, and this disturbing aspect is sadly rearing its ugly head at almost every opportunity.
Any narrative that does not pay deference to one’s fellow man, especially in the racial context, then becomes cannon fodder for differing opinions, which is bound to lead to conflict and even anarchy.
The metamorphosis of South Africa post-1994 has been punctuated by many disdainful acts of racism as there are those still ensconced in a despicable past, reluctant to embrace a new order that lends credence to equality, fairness and justice.
The parochial effrontery of the likes of Malema must be a stark reminder to us all that no amount of racial posturing will endear the world to a country that is so full of potential – only because of the strength of our diversity that, if used constructively and without malice, can have salutary implications for those generations yet unborn.
South Africa can ill-afford the despicable generalisations based on race. Instead, we should compliment our differences with a sense of amicability and amiability that fosters patriotic responsibility as we pass the baton on to those who will ultimately share a common humanity of brotherhood and togetherness.
After all, race is indeed a myth, but racism is certainly not.
Ganesh, former DA chairperson in Durban North, writes in his personal capacity.