Rid schools of old British traditions

LATELY much has been said about ridding our country of the remnants of colonialism and the symbols associated with oppressive past regimes.

Yet, once again on Saturday (May 12) a large picture of Grey High School’s marching band looms on page 4 of the Weekend Post.

The caption describes the long-standing tradition of the parade, but the point sorely missed is that this tradition is 100% British – British military, to be precise!

Grey’s adherence to British traditions, veiled as quality, has long made the school a shameful outpost for colonialism. What is the Weekend Post’s excuse for publishing it?

It doesn’t matter how many black students a school has if every effort is made to turn them white. Seeing African boys march like British soldiers is not just disconcerting, it is proof of white arrogance and a reprehensible denial of African heritage – not a photo opportunity.

I have often wondered about the psyche of black parents sending their children to schools where British traditions are revered.

Likewise Muslim and Hindu parents are forced to send their children to schools where there is no escaping Christianity, in the desperation for quality education.

After such a long struggle for freedom, too much is still being sacrificed by the same people who have suffered so much already.

Karen Pienaar, Uitenhage