A different view

This blog sucks and I haven’t the confidence to write much but I thought that I’d post things that matter to me. First link:

http://projectunbreakable.tumblr.com/

A mental note to self

This blog to date has been left behind. I barely have one entry for each month since I started it. Clearly this needs to be remedied. I won’t be writing long essay-like pieces but just completing pieces I started some time ago and never quite finished.

I’ve doubted my ability to comment on certain issues but if I don’t write about issues how am I to develop my arguments or get feedback from other people? So I am taking the plunge into self-doubt and a lack of intellectual engagement and just getting to putting my thoughts down.

Here I go…

11 random acts of kindness

This was my letter to my friends and family that I compiled for my birthday.

*************************************************************************

My birthday is fast approaching and it is an extra special one. I’ll be all of a quarter century (25 years old) AND most importantly it is my triple eleven: 11.11.2011.

I am very excited and would like to make a request for this year: no personal gifts – yes, I’m assuming that I’ll get presents and if you had no intention of getting me one, keep reading, you may be interested in the rest of this. Instead, I have compiled a list of organisations/causes that I love and would like to support; in essence I am donating my birthday to these causes (yes, I can and will make up for it at some point).

 

11 Random acts of kindness:

You can donate your time or money; you can even spread the word about these causes. I’d like sustained support of these organisations but I’ll consider every action a gift.

 

1.        1000 hearts – Cape Town Rape Crisis

The Rape Crisis needs funding to keep going. South Africa is a country with natural beauty only equalled by the heinous sexual crimes that has no boundaries; age, gender, sexual orientation and race is of no consequence. I may not be able to personally help all the women that walk through their doors but I’ll like to help make sure that the door is kept open.

http://rapecrisis.org.za/support-us/1000-hearts/

 

2.        Peninsular School Feeding Association

The idea behind this scheme is that ‘you can’t teach a hungry child’. I am fully behind this campaign and you can help them as well. There are many options here: Feed a child for a year for all of R 370 or donate whichever amount you can. Alternatively, do the crazy thing I did this year and do the walk, 17 000 people did it. The entry fee is only R30. They also have a ‘Lunch is on me’ campaign where you buy a sticker for R10 to feed a child.

www.psfa.org.za/

 

3.        Equal education

If you know anything about me it is that I am an avid supporter of literacy. The aim here is to get a library in every school. The Bookery is the division that accepts book donations.

www.equaleducation.org.za/bookery_details

 

4.        Santa shoebox project

This project ends soon. The aim is to compile boxes with basics and some fun things for children. The boxes are decorated and distributed across the country just before the school year ends. This is possibly the only Christmas gifts these children will get.

www.santashoebox.co.za/

5.        World Aids Day

I spent a lot of time volunteering and working for the university’s Office for Institutional HIV Coordination. This would be a support cause, wear a ribbon, get tested or educate yourself about HIV and AIDS on 1 December. Do something to commemorate this day.

 

6.        16 days against violence against Women and Children

Also, a show your support cause.

 

7.        www.allout.org or www.change.org

This site makes public injustices toward the LGTB community across the world. All you have to do is sign petitions that you feel drawn to.

 

8.        The Children’s hospital trust

The Red Cross Children’s Hospital is the only one of its kind in Southern Africa. They do incredible work and you can help them. Even if you just go to visit some of these kids who are far away from home.

www.childrenshospitaltrust.org.za/page/the-childrens-hospital-trust

 

9.        SPCA

Adopt a pet if you have the means to look after it. Make an adoption centre your first option.

www.nspca.co.za/

 

10.  The Shine Centre

This organisation’s vision is to create a ‘Nation of readers’. They assess first grade learners and then assist them in grades two and three to improve their literacy and language skills. It costs R 120 a month to keep a child in the programme and registering your Woolworths ‘My School’ card under the Centre’s name also provides funds for them.

www.theshinecentre.org.za/home.html

 

11. Chose something that is especially close to you and support the cause.

I don’t really mind what you do or who you do it for, as long as you do something for someone else who needs a gift more than I do.

Every day radical

I am in the odd position of being in media. I know publishing, I understand publishing and I’ve done publishing. Now, I am in new territory. Moreover, in territory where the landscape seems familiar but my outlook is out of focus. I strongly believe that the media has a responsibility within society to share knowledge.

When I was at university, I had a lot of ideas but no one really listened. Now I am in the position where I have a say in content. There is nothing more validating that inspires insecurity as that responsibility. I know that the appearance of contribution is not enough. My actions must directly influence and/or inspire debate.

In a discussion with Trevor Manuel about his book, Radical Middle: Confessions of an Accidental Revolutionary, Dennis Beckett says lots but the point that struck me was that debates are polarised too early in the media. I concur. There is a tendency to always have an opinion rather than grapple with issues. Reading the COP16’s Post-Cancun Analysis, I picked up that progress was stalled (and thus decision making was deferred) because the issues at hand weren’t tackled. They were brushed over, toyed with but never addressed with strong political will. We try to be too polite and end up with conferences and forums yielding nothing but ‘notable’ discussions and considerations. There is so much talk and rarely action. At what point do we stay enough. Just do something already?

We need to know that strong leadership means talking through the thorny issues like sovereign states, climate change, nuclear power, famine, dictatorship, corruption, environmental degradation, accountability, warfare, drug trafficking, torture, racism, human trafficking, crimes against humanity, social ills etc. We are not going to get over this; we need to deal with them all at the same time. There is no space for stagnating action. The wait has resulted in the mess we’re in today.

It begins with us. It begins with pressure on our politicians. It means voting. It means writing that letter to government about poor service delivery. It means making an effort to not litter, save water, use less electricity, and learning about the social situation in Africa. It means getting involved where you can so that your opinion isn’t polarised but informed so that the debate that follows creates a revolution. So that you aren’t accidental but intentional in the change you inspire.

Democracy isn’t without flaws. I know that this is a generally accepted fact. What I am bewildered by is why we have never thought to tweak it. Why do we insist on working within a system that isn’t dynamic and responsive to the way we live? I understand the idealism behind it, I’m not promoting another form of governance, what I am saying is that we can do this better. We can withhold bonuses from officials who haven’t met their targets or pitched for work regularly and on time. There are so many practical examples out there, what are your thoughts?

South African film – Just Imagine

I love Bollywood movies. It is a combination of the inaccessibility, the colours, the beauty and the intricate story lines. In Bollywood, happy endings are not a given. The not-so-beautiful side of India (the caste system, relations with Pakistan etc) are never ignored, in fact, it forms a big part of the themes followed in their films. I find Slumdog Millionaire a particularly interesting hybrid in this regard. Hollywood is (mostly) absent – the ending was a bit hard to swallow – but the in-between has a tainted beauty about it.

In South Africa where cultural uncertainty and absolute diversity is the order of the day, how would one represent a coherent image of a shattered nation? In a weird way, advertising in South Africa has done more in this regard than film ever has. I think back specifically to the Mzansi ad. It portrays the race roles reversed in South Africa. Shortly after its release it was banned. Interesting to note what it permitted and what isn’t. I think this is a strong case in point about how comfortable we as South Africans are willing to change the status quo. Maybe the film industry isn’t the issue, maybe, just maybe, we are. What is our role as the audience within the film industry?

We need to move toward the quality of content. Nigerian films tend to go straight to video which means a lower income for those in the film industry (I don’t ignore the fact that the output is quite high). The model of Hollywood films aren’t suitable (to a large extent) to the South African audience. We need to find our own voice and maybe film will help define the layers of identity.

A key point would be to recognise (in kind and in rand) talent. The major distributors should advocate local films. Indigenous languages films only get aired on TV. Imagine a film festival where only South African films are screened. Imagine a competition where novels are adapted for film by young South Africans in the industry financed by the major distributors. Imagine South African film as main stream. Just imagine.

Questioning South African film

I (not so) recently attended a book launch on South African film. I am quasi-interested in film having spent a whole semester reviewing films at university – I am pained to add that a certain boy had a great interest in it as well. I am especially interested in how novels are imprinted onto film. This discussion, however, is an entire topic on its own and anyway, this blog isn’t about my preferences but rather on issues.
The book launched was Cinema in a Democratic South Africa – The Race for Representation by Lucia Saks. It looks at how South Africa engaged with film and how film reflects cultural changes in South Africa. I found myself for the first time in a year or so having an internal intellectual debate. It was refreshing and disconcerting, my intellect was rusty but I duly noted that both the author and presenter were white: what does that say about the race for representation in academia? Here are my thoughts on the discussion that followed.

I like the idea of the race for representation in South African film. South Africa is a country intent on equality in every (in)conceivable form. The national broadcaster has dedicated (too) much time balancing the scales – it ought have been balancing the books and cleaning house but that is another matter all together.

I strongly believe that our political history is both our strength and weakness – in the search for equality and in film – and the author expressed this as well. The focus on content is so narrow that often quality and technique are side lined. There are other factors that come into play and most definitely financing is a major issue.

In film – as in many other mediums – finance is a crucial issue. The film industry is monopolised in South Africa with only two major distributors so even if technology enables the production of films, they still have to be distributed to be fiscally viable. Also, the cost of going to the movies limits the number (and demographic) of moviegoers. I write in broad sweeping terms but I am referring to the poorest South Africans. Very often the lower-income groups don’t have basic services such as running water and electricity so cinema complexes aren’t priority and that cannot be validly argued against.

The representation in film is important. The fact that many of South Africa’s most viewed movies feature caricatures may be amusing but lacks depth that is necessary in a serious market. We need to step away from supporting films that highlight the stereotypes and move towards films that challenge and revisie what it means to be South African today. Our ‘soapies’ are complacent and all except a handful really tackle pertinent issues and present alternatives. It is often said that even the lowest social rank has a black woman cleaning up after him. In South Africa, it is often the black woman who solely supports a family; she is the breadwinner. How can we marry these two realities?

In South Africa we should be using film to rewrite and challenge race relations and our history. The Truth and Reconciliation Council was important moment for film in South Africa. It provided possibility the rawest emotion and exposed the depth of our pain as a nation. It illustrated the depth of the pit we need to lift ourselves from.

Film is cultural and thus a response to social issues. Why is film also politicised or racial why can’t it be social? The former aren’t the only issues plaguing South Africa yet we seem intent on using it as our primary source of identity. For our films to be successful do we need to transmute our social dynamics? The question that begs to be answered is how can South Africa be represented in film?

Reboot: 2011

In the moment. I see what it is to change the world. It takes action. Focusing on a single point. The funny thing is that doing just isn’t enough. Purpose is as important. In this moment there are six half written, half thought out pieces written for this blog. I work in stops and starts. I am slowing learning to go from start to finish. I bore too easily. I want too much. The world isn’t what it ought to be. I often write about writing. I know I should just do. Take action. In time. This will happen. Inspiration comes from Denis Waitley:

There are two primary choices in life; to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.

I accept, I accept, yes, I accept. In that, I agree to do.

16 Days of Activism doesn’t even touch the surface…

I would like a day where we teach young boys to be strong men outside the physical.

I would like a day where we teach young women that love isn’t physical. That fear shouldn’t be enough to keep you in a relationship.

I want gender equality to stop being words on paper and in legislation. I want to see the reality in society.

I want the messages we send and our actions to be the same not in opposition. It not only confuses but also creates a space where everything goes.

Not too long ago, a girl was raped in a South African school. Her cooldrink was spiked and two boys raped her while some other children recorded it on their cellphones. The teachers dismissed the girl and only reacted when the mother caused uproar. There was talked about the girl being charged with rape (of who, I am too scared to ask).
In my family, two of my cousins were raped. The father of the younger raped the older one. The younger one’s boyfriend raped her. Neither man was arrested or charged, in fact, neither case was reported. And why? The family shame?!?! In the society we live in being raped is more frowned upon than being a rapist! ENOUGH! We are not barbarians. We are not in a state of warfare where rape is a war tactic. We are a democratic state in a state of peace. I am tired of hearing that young children are raped. I am tired of hearing that a baby girl won’t be able to have children one day because the damage done to her little body is so extensive.
I lived in a town where young girls when raped were told to shut up by their fathers; the shame was just too much. What about the shame of telling your daughter that a crime against her can go unpunished? What about knowing that your daughter (or son) will struggle with the rest of their lives with issues related to the rape?

The big matter of domestic violence cannot be overlooked. In every society regardless of race this is an issue. How do we go about justifying imprinting our anger onto another person’s body? And why?!?!

16 Days of Activism is not enough. We need to always be active in addressing these issues even if we think acknowledging it is embarrassing. The truth isn’t always pretty but when you look at reality with clear eyes, the alternative routes appear. Only when you know what the problem is, can you address. And pretending that it isn’t there doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist. Ignorance is not bliss.

HIV/Aids in the South African media

I worked at Stellenbosch University’s HIV Office – later Office for Institutional HIV Coordination (OIHC) – for two years. I was involved with volunteer activities the three years preceding that. In short, my involvement with the OIHC runs parallel to my academic career. The OIHC played a crucial part in developing my interest in social issues, HIV being only one. I’ve always been bewildered about how HIV is viewed and the lack of distinction being made between HIV and Aids. Not so long ago at my beloved Book Lounge I attended the launch of What is Left Unsaid: Reporting the South African HIV Epidemic edited by Kristen Palitza, Natalie Ridgard, Helen Struthers, Anton Harber (2003-2010). The launch was presented by Kristen Palitza, Helen Struthers (fellows of the HIV/AIDS & the Media Project) and Kylie Thomas (UCT post-doctoral student). The discussion was about media in South Africa and how it is used in relation to HIV/Aids.

A few issues that problematises HIV/Aids reporting/coverage ranges from the complexity of the virus/syndrome, the highly scientific nature of HIV/Aids, and numerous ethical dilemmas. A key matter noted was the conflicting nature of the media, civil society and the government in the publicity of HIV/Aids. A speaker stated that the volume of media on HIV in last 5 years has decreased by 63%. This may be attributed to the fact that new infections has stabilised but surely the issue of health care should be a permanent item on the agenda. This raises two interesting discussions: the media’s view on health issues and the state of health care in South Africa. It could be said that in relation to HIV/Aids – or any health issues for that matter – the media’s response is reactive rather than investigative. I have read of very few specialised health journalists and in an African context were breakouts threaten entire villages this is discomfiting. And because there are no journalists that specialise in health the resulting articles are generalisations that simplify complex and evolving viruses. The question at large is where is the media’s political will? While media owners may set guidelines – that no doubt ensure the replenishing of their coffers – editors have a similar responsibility to expose, challenge and inform its readership of the dynamics linked to HIV/Aids. The fatigue about thinking about HIV/Aids is not a reasonable excuse for not addressing the matter.

South Africa has one of the highest HIV rates in the world, and an ever-growing orphan population. The economically active population is at the highest risk and women in their 20s are the most vulnerable. This is a social issue that should be tackled daily. HIV is a threat to the stability of the South African population and thereby economy. And of course the most at risk group demographically are black women. The media should jump at this because essentially HIV is an economic and cultural opportunistic infection. We need to speak of traditional healers and their role in the spread and circumvention of the virus. We can challenge former President Mbeki’s Aids denialist stance. We could explore M2M sex and the rape of lesbians in townships to straighten them out. We must talk about – and oppose – HIV/Aids being excluded from the national curriculum. We have to discuss the impact that the ridiculous Tribunal Law and/or the Information Bill will have on HIV/Aids journalism. We have to consider what mediums and languages HIV/Aids messages are being spread in. It is imperative that we are exposed to HIV/Aids in the mainstream to counter fatigue. We should engage even it is painful. We must talk about HIV/Aids outside of spatial demarcations and configure the statistics to reality. We need to take action and the media must start taking responsibility. HIV/Aids exposes inequality, disproportionate suffering and is a politically charged issue. Health care in South Africa is possibly the singular issue that highlights (and exposes) the government’s shortcomings.

Sanitation and access to adequate health care are basic human rights and enshrined in our Constitution yet the majority of black South Africans live in polluted environments and have to travel considerable distances to access health care. Government talks big but delivers little in this respect. Service delivery in the poorest regions is lacking at best, non-existent at worst. In terms of ARV accessibility, we’re not only talking about ARV availability – and constant availability – but also access to clean water, information, monitoring and support.

I studied Public and Development Management and am more than aware of policy issues. I am also aware of the extent that corruption exists in government and no Mr President reshuffling your Cabinet doesn’t help. I understand the difficulty in reaching these far out regions but that means that government needs to think harder and smarter about the matter. It also means that the media should investigate and if necessary, do an exposé. If former president Mbeki’s inaction because of his denialist stance is cause for an uproar surely, a state that acknowledges HIV and doesn’t act should be brought to task! I know that there are many health professions who are willing to do what needs to be done but are restricted by the limited resources.

I salute the HIV/Aids and the Media Project for the work they are doing to ensure that the HIV pandemic in South Africa is adequately covered. I applaud the editors, contributors, and publishing house, Jacana for producing, What is Left Unsaid: Reporting the South African HIV Epidemic. It has to be said that ANOVA Health Institute, the Wits Journalism Programme, USAID, PEPFAR, and Johns Hopkins provide the structures to promote healthy media and without them the book would not be in existence. Finally, to my beloved Book Lounge and its staff for constantly and faithfully promoting South African literature and supporting its authors.

I am wearing purple today. In the Spirit of Humanity.

I am wearing a lovely vintage style coat today.

In commemoration of young people
who have committed suicide
because of abuse they were exposed to
because of their sexual orientation.

I say enough!
Who are you to tell anyone who they are?
Who are you to dictate who should love who?
And why on earth do feel the need to bully another person?

In the Spirit of Humanity, why can’t we just all live together?
Why do we feel the urge to resist acceptance?
Why?
Oh, why?
Any why?

I feel despondent.
I am disillusioned.
How are we still stuck in a mindset where anything that challenges our humanity is disallowed?

The force of our words has the power to push others over the edge.
Our actions have a ripple effect, and can drown the struggling swimmer.

If love isn’t enough to conquer all things, what does?

I am wearing purple today

to fight for the spirit of humanity.
I am wearing purple today
in memory of each person who died because of verbal violence.
I am wearing purple today
to show my support for those contemplating taking their own lives.
I am wearing purple today
because I believe in love as the ultimate aspect of humanity.
I am wearing purple today
to counteract every form of assault against non-straight people.
I am wearing purple today
because enough is enough!

I am wearing purple today in the spirit of humanity.