Comments on: Rejecting Racism Point Blank

By: Justin Foxton

Justin Foxton — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 09:37:34 +0000

In reply to Michelle. Thank you for your bravery Michelle! Please know that you have allies doing the same

By: Michelle

Michelle — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 08:27:49 +0000

I hear you and will be doing exactly the same.. And I too don’t care what people think anymore!

By: Justin Foxton

Justin Foxton — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 06:15:09 +0000

In reply to Linda Dillon.

Such a profound point….I hope you make it often Linda…Thank you. Ps. Would you mind if i quote you on it?

By: Linda Dillon

Linda Dillon — Wed, 09 Jan 2019 05:49:34 +0000

Great article. It is time. I truly look forward to the day when there is an end to race distinction in South Africa. But in the mean time it has to start with us, as you say, and if we get an opportunity, to engage with others in respectful ways. But mostly, we need to set the example.

I also feel that racism directed towards me as a white person, really doesn’t have the same devastating effect as it does for a person of colour. I haven’t experienced a lifetime of suffering and discrimination because of my skin colour.

By: Justin Foxton

Justin Foxton — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 11:48:33 +0000

In reply to Robyn. Shew Robyn yes...the real devil lies in the areas you are talking about. And I am so aware that the work begins with me always. Guilty as charged! Thank you for engaging with me on this. X

By: Robyn

Robyn — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 11:26:57 +0000

Thank you Justin for as always raising the courageous debate. For me it is hardest to know how to address the unwitting and “unintentional” racism that so often makes itself heard in situations where family and friends are talking – the endless discussions on domestic workers, the reference to “helping”, the subtleties of distinction of what can be expected from people, the comments about “Isn’t it wonderful to see so many black children on the rugby team”…. and the true confusion among those who are speaking when it is pointed out that this is deeply derogatory because there really isn’t insight into the fact that their speech is inherently steeped in an attitude of race distinction.

Lots and lots and lots of conversations still needed about this. By all of us…

By: Justin Foxton

Justin Foxton — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 09:27:37 +0000

In reply to Esther. I agree that it requires a steadfast and disciplined approach. Walls are coming down...

By: Justin Foxton

Justin Foxton — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 09:20:04 +0000

In reply to Sabs.

Agreed. This is why I say first port of call is dialogue….but there are still many people who use hateful racist language that I believe we should go longer be tolerating. Of course subtler forms of supremacy, privilege etc can and should be challenged with dialogue as they are usually unseen by us as the speakers…

By: Sabs

Sabs — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 08:56:12 +0000

In reply to Sheryl. Can you elaborate? Have you ever been a victim of racism? If so, what was the effect?

By: Sabs

Sabs — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 08:54:39 +0000

In reply to Justin Foxton.

I think it is important to note (in agreement) that racism goes beyond name calling (non-swimmers is a new one for me) but assumptions and stereotypes are part and parcel of this. Many educated people are smart enough to recognise that the use of such terms of company is not useful especially amongst strangers. However many an assumption maybe uttered without thought of consequences and often uttered by someone who is being kind or intended to be kind. Often individuals who utter racial epithets in public are not the individuals to focus on. Anyone who calls other people’s names in strange company is a lost cause and cannot be debated but the one that politely and sometimes sympathetically expresses a stereotype maybe taught that their assumptions are rooted in racist assumptions which are not necessarily true. Unfortunately these are often harder to spot even for a well
Meaning white person because they themselves may see nothing wrong with such a stereotype.