Bare-breasted Zulu woman on TV is insensitive to SA’s diverse population

I was shocked on Wednesday morning when a bare-breasted Zulu woman appeared on the news at 7am on SABC 2. The interview focussed on the death of the queen in KwaZulu-Natal.

It seems that different yardsticks apply to different races. A similar image of a white female would have caused a whole outcry by viewers resulting in numerous complaints of public indecency.

Yet, no one turns a blind eye to what viewers were subjected to for quite an extensive period on TV.

One can understand the cultural differences between different nations.

But when a cultural practice that seemingly appears to be in conflict with the acceptable norm of our diverse society, then common sense should prevail.

Please do not misconstrue my input. I am not against the cultural practices of the Zulu nation but propose that such an interview be conducted in a manner that respects all diverse views of our rainbow nation.

And importantly, treats the interviewed lady with dignity.

For example, the interviewer could have lifted the camera to hide the bare breasts. I recall the massive outcry when a woman was breastfeeding her baby in a mall in Claremont in 2016.

She was banned from the mall despite covering her breast while breastfeeding her baby in a fairly empty store.

Yet, we do not blink an eye and find nothing wrong when bare-breasted Zulu women are televised nationally.

Finally, is the breast of a Zulu woman or maiden of lesser value than that of other races? You be the judge.

ADIEL ISMAIL | Mountview