Ignorance at the heart of outrage

IT IS now commonplace in today’s world where social media has become the mainstream source of news that everyday events are taken out of context and become a springboard to drive a wedge between black and white South Africans.

Rabid anti-white organisations such as the EFF and BLF then take up the clarion call to show how whites are racist.

The Clicks hair advert is a perfect example. Someone who doesn’t understand the vagaries of the English language took offence because black hair was described as dry and damaged while white hair was fine and flat.

If they were properly schooled in English, they would know that there are three meanings of the word fine – when hair is described as fine it is not a compliment. It means the hair is thin and without body, and needs special hair care products to improve its appearance.

But the EFF ignored or were equally ignorant of the meaning of “fine” in the advert and played their only card – the racist one.

Clicks management should have taken the opportunity to educate those ignorant of the different meanings of the word fine. Instead, they grovelled and made a lilylivered apology to appease the

EFF and others who feigned being offended.

By doing this, they’ve unwittingly emboldened those who will take any opportunity to denigrate minority groups for their own political ends. Shame on Clicks management for not having the balls to stand up to these bullies.

TONY VOMBERG |

Sea Point