I’m so glad that so many friends had their first taste of politics beyond the dinner table, and of unity beyond #feelititishere. I’m not being sarcastic — some of it might be virtue signaling but for most you do seem genuinely transformed by the experience, which is superbly promising for future active citizenry.
I’ve been saying for quite some time that Zuma Must Fall has to be a process, not an event, and that it has to be a process that works towards a unified vision for South Africa that benefits the poor majority. I do not yet see that, but I hope the experience of taking to the streets today has sparked a little fire that will get you to meetings of Reclaim the City or FeesMustFall or various housing and sanitation protests. That “shutting down” the economy for a day has changed your perspectives on the tactics used by shack dwellers when they planned to disrupt the Argus cycle tour (and the wind and fire did the job for them). But mostly, I hope that more listening takes place.
When people are critical of those with privilege we are told to be more empathetic, use “honey”, to listen and start where people are etc. The biggest threat to any long term change process in South Africa is not, however, people critiquing or dismissing the actions of the suddenly-woke nor is it even the suddenly-woke not actually listening… there are threats far greater that relate directly to the social and economic status of the black majority, and the volatility that goes with that.
Still, not listening is a threat to how we respond to that volatility, and whether we (like America) entrench divides along some made-up political spectrum, or, move to a form of team work that centers on cooperating and communicating despite difference…
This communication is happening on the streets and trains and social media. Communication is just as much about hearing as it is about being heard, though. Just as you want to be listened to and cheered on for whatever action you’re ready to take, please listen to those who are skeptical, who are angry, who are saying “too little too late”.
There has never been progress without contradiction. Contradiction and contestation can be markers of successful “divide and conquer” tactics (employed by both sides, mind you… don’t for one second believe there’s only one PR firm and one propaganda machine here folks). Contradiction and contestation are also markers that we could, if we’re paying attention, catapult into areas of new knowledge and ideas…
Just as we desire to be heard, respect others rights to hold a different opinion. Please do not gloss over the critical opinion pieces/tweets/rants as “poo-pooing” or “paid media” (after all, successful propaganda taps into some element of someones truths), or divisive for the sake of it.
Not listening is just as divisive as expressing a contrary opinion — if we let either be divisive at all.
As privileged white people, when we sit down to listen to those saying “where were you before?” or “whose SA are you saving?”, we must, first and foremost recognize that our reactions to those messages will be directly influenced by one of the most successful and lasting divisive projects — Apartheid. We will all too readily hold tropes about blackness and about poverty that will kick in to protect us from being challenged — if you hear that voice that says “but those protests were too violent”, recognise how white fear of blackness in public space worked to reenforce your absence and, possibly, the states more aggressive response…If you hear that voice saying “but we must move on”, or “but this effects everyone” try to recognize how privilege affords you that definition of moving on or perception of what effects everyone.
Put those voices aside, and listen. Listen actively, and with an openness to changing your mind — just as you would expect of another. After showing up with your body on the street today, this is the most political thing you can do today.
