I’ve seen many social media posts which show people have different opinions and feelings ranging from ecstatic to disgruntled.
Many are asking: “Where the justice is for other individuals who have also been outspokenly racist?”
This, I do not know, but I do know that a precedent has been set and I am confident that, following any future racial slurs, steps will definitely be taken against the responsible parties.
I am attempting to place my faith in the justice system regarding this issue.
The word used in the offence, which is what all this fuss is about, is known as the ‘k-word’.
I read a comment on social media from a person who said: “The k-word is just a word and is not even in the dictionary.”
Well, actually ma’am, it is…
And it is described as being ‘a very offensive word for a black African’.
It is absolutely that.
But why, because it is in the dictionary, should it not be offensive?
Why should it matter that a vulgar word such as that is in any book?
It boggles my mind that so many people do not understand what is wrong with that word.
How can you not understand?
That word is the epitome of degradation, dehumanisation and is demeaning.
And really? Name calling?
What are you? In kindergarten?
It’s been 24 years since our new democracy started.
Would you please get over putting your fellow South Africans down?
This precedent that has been set in court, is not only for one race to use against the other but for all those who favour racism against any race, to be brought down a notch or five.
Yes, I am aware that certain groups have made rather horrible remarks in the past.
We’ll have to wait and see what happens in the future.
We are a colourful people, living in one country.
Let’s not resort to menial language among ourselves.
Please know that no matter how upset, angry or any other strong emotion you feel, you will face consequences when using that word.
This sentence is a massive lesson to so many people out there who feel they can still use the word freely.
You cannot.
Do not degrade your colleagues, friends, or your fellow South Africans because of the colour of their skin.
And just to be clear… No, it is not just a word.
The k-word is said with intent to cause emotional harm and to insult that person.
It is deliberate and unwarranted.
No person should ever feel inferior to another and inferiority should not be caused by the words of another human being.
A sense of pride and self-worth dictates that people will, of course, stand up for their rights and defend themselves, which inevitably will lead to a possible altercation that could and should have been avoided.
You are not more important if you use that word.
You are not raising yourself above this person.
And you most certainly are not funny, cool, brave or any other stupid adjective you feel does this word justice.
Nothing does it justice.
You are merely proving that you have been left behind in an old-fashioned era and your caveman attitude dumbs you down even further.
When you use that word in relation to other people to put them down or attempt to insult them, you are in fact lowering yourself to the equivalent of horse dung and showing all humanity your lack of ethics.
