In a time of political tennis and racial ping pong, it seems like a popular trend to brand someone a racist, sexist, fascist, or “cockroach” of supremacy.
Anything you say can and will be used against you under the mask of democracy. ‘Freedom of speech’ has become such a vague concept that one really never is sure when the great border of discrimination is being crossed. Fortunately for the lapdogs of controversy we live in an age rich with heritage and beefed up culture. It makes us who we are, culture is part of history; embedded in our character whether we choose to embrace it or not.
The ambivalence of a “reborn” post-colonial nation creates a type of expediency in the way we operate. It’s disturbingly convenient to rest on ones culture, in situations that “the Other” would find inappropriate or offensive. From this one gets subtle or overt racism, sexism, tribalism, or even xenophobic behaviour. Differences create misunderstanding which leads to fear, and fear is something that brings out the worst in people. Primitive isn’t it? To think that instead of moving forward and celebrating human autonomy and individuality we continue to grow apart. I dream of the day when a nation wakes up and realises that the age we live in is in itself an evolution of culture, a constantly transforming aspect of life. A culture cannot be defined solely on appearance and history, we seem to be forgetting the influences of a developing (in some regards) society.
Why must it be so difficult to embrace a new world evolutionary character? Fear, the source of much distress and cultural dilemma in society. Only when we get over this childish fear of change can we shunt the growth of a polarised nation. Scrap the fine line between fear and reality, embrace culture; don’t hide behind it.
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