Editor
THE great fireworks debate is once again making a thunderous entry, as is traditional every single year just before Hindus celebrate the religious festival of Diwali. The lighting of fireworks is a small part of the cultural significance pertinent to Diwali, but has become a major talking point. Some activists enjoy the limelight and attention they stir up at the expense of another’s cultural belief system. How much more opportunistic can you get?
Respect the court ruling that fireworks are not ever going to be banned. My personal opinion is that Hindus, who have relocated to former ‘white’ residential areas from Phoenix and Chatsworth, are probably experiencing negativity when they light fireworks. My relatives from Westville and Durban North come to Phoenix to celebrate and light their fireworks. This is exciting to me, because they bring along the most extravagant aerial displays that I have only seen at the firework outlets but will never be able to afford, some with price tags of R850, and always make your home seem as though it is ‘the venue’ for the annual fireworks display. In our Indian communities it is rare or never that residents are resistant against the use of fireworks.
Fireworks, if used safely, are harmless if used under adult supervision. Pets can be sedated with medication from the pharmacy, reducing the impact of the loud sounds. The argument is that if people satisfy their palates with birds and meat, yet complain about animal cruelty, then that’s construed as the highest form of hypocrisy. Let’s for a moment visualise the pain and suffering these animals have to endure for them to end up on our plates. Definitely painful.
Smoking and drinking kills many users, are they going to be banned? Aeroplanes and cars crash, resulting in the loss of lives – will they be banned?
May the light of Diwali shine on every soul, even those who are intolerant and gain leverage out of their calling for the banning of fireworks. Soon you will acknowledge that all your efforts are in vain and you are fighting for a cause that can never be won. Its time for you to concentrate your energies into something constructive or, if you’re looking to become famous, try acting.
Vijay Surujpal
Phoenix
