Racism – punishment must always fit crime

Blacks seem more offended to comments than whites, writes Ted O’Connor from Albertskroon.

The article by Sydney Majoko – AfriForum misses the point – highlights the different reality cultures apply to issues of racism.

Blacks seem more offended to racist comments than whites. Facebook alone often witnesses deplorable statements by both cultures, yet those of blacks seem to carry more vehemence.

While Vicki Momberg’s slurs were unacceptable, the circumstances in which they were motivated – fear and shock loosened her tongue – makes her sentence ridiculous.

Doing community service in black communities would have been more of a lesson and more effective than a jail term.

Racism is not restricted to whites. The pending trial of Velaphi Khumalo for his depraved comments on treating whites like the Jews received at the hands of the Germans will hopefully deliver harsh judgment.

A precedent has been set and his punishment will be interesting – we are all equal before the law.

While whites seem less sensitive to the diatribes of many black commentators, their rants must be seen as equally offensive and detrimental to nation building.

The major in the SADF who said a white victim needed his eyes gouged out is beyond the pale and the military command need to act against him. A civil court will also have its say.

There are also often outbursts of xenophobia against foreign black communities.