Cultural intolerance a worldwide phenomenon

The problem has been with us since the Tower of Babel, writes Ted O’Connor

Your editorial on Friday – “Racism is alive and thriving in SA” – labelled Adam Catzavelous a racist for his use of abusive language. No argument there. You suggest he has done us all a favour by awakening the reality of racism. It is often cloaked in cultural intolerance or xenophobia but comes from both sides of the divide.

Yet the justice system is quick to penalise whites: Penny Sparrow and Vicki Momberg are examples of penalties being delivered swiftly, yet the depraved ranting of Velaphi Kumalo still awaits judgment. Are whites the only race expected to know better?

On the same day your paper had an article by Gwynne Dyer “China can’t have it both ways” on the treatment it dishes out to a Muslim community in Xinjiang province. Also, the United Nations reported on the plight of the Rohingya community in Myanmar – it appears cultural intolerance is a worldwide phenomenon.

The problems have been with us since the Tower of Babel yet we should all strive to create harmony and respect one another’s differences.