In
the past couple of months South Africa has been faced with on going violent
attacks. These ‘Xenophobic’ or as we call it ‘Afrophobic’ has just
gone too far.
I can't stand idly by and read more
stories about loadshedding, (Electricity Outages) while my fellow South
Africans are shedding the lives of enterprising foreigners. As a white
Greek South African, I know what it's like to be discriminated against. I also
know what it's like to have to feel like a target for criminals because of
something completely beyond my control.
As a Greek South African and yes as a
foreigner - I’m not 'taking the job' of another South African, by being
employed legally. Nor are all the apparent victims of these senseless and
despicable attacks, who are self-employed entrepreneurs who've faced far
greater hardships than the desperate people who are now trying to simply take
what foreigners have built up.
I know I'm preaching to the choir
here. I just hope that we can all, in our own way, do what we can to spread a
strong message that xenophobia is NOT ok; it is NOT funny; and it shouldn't be
something to only be used by racists of all colours to say 'I told you so, look
at this bunch of blood-thirsty hooligans'.
To the foreigners feeling even more
isolated than ever in a foreign land, Wherever that may be in the world…even
those residing and working in Greece…my apology here on behalf of those
targeting you would be meaningless. All I can offer is my word that not all
beings of the human race feel like those that are persecuting you, and we
appreciate that you're just trying to work towards a better life for yourself
however you can ... just like we all are, ultimately.
I call on to all Governments all over
the world…to speak out against Xenophobia in a clear way that these
agitators will understand, at the grass
roots levels in local communities, that It is perfectly ok to disagree with
your very own electorate, and until you are brave enough to make unpopular
decisions with your own supporters you're not going to be deserving of the
leadership positions they have elected you to.
When the rage is turned away from us,
maybe fellow human beings can see more clearly that it's not hatred that drives
racism ... it's fear and anger, willing to hit out at anybody and anything
which is painted as “The Other”.
Let's take the one truth that is
constructive away from the xenophobic violence - all citizens in the world are
lost and in need of leadership - and start introducing positive leadership into
our own lives rather than just reacting mindlessly with fear and anger as well.
To those lost in XENOPHOBIC violence
around the world –may your bloodshed… not be in vain…may
the world eventually listen up and do something to STOP this.
E. Kanavou( ΚΑΘΗΓΗΤΡΙΑ ΣΤO JOHANNESBURG
SOUTH AFRICA)
MEΛΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΜΑΔΑΣ
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