Stop Being the Stereotype

A Congolese guy I work with became incensed recently when someone asked if he was Nigerian. The reason, he said, was because “Nigerians are thieves and drug dealers.” This got me thinking that modern-day racism is little more than a reaction to a stereotype. Saying that all Africans are criminals is blatantly and obviously racist, but seeing that a large majority of criminals are African is an observation – the inequality and poverty that is the legacy of Apartheid and colonialism is obviously to blame, but to the narrow mind these factors are always ignored.

Working with the principle of stereotypes fuelling racism we need to all become aware that our actions not only are a reflection of our character but also perpetuate the formation of our demographic’s stereotype.

Every time a white employer mistreats a black member of staff they add to the cliché of the greedy, exploitative, white capitalist. When an Al-Qaeda suicide bomber detonates in a shopping mall they reinforce the image of the Muslim religion’s bloodthirsty nature.

Loyiso Nkohle, ANCYL Dullah Omar regional secretary, says, “We are going to destroy everything and make the city ungovernable,” because of what they term a violation of Africans’ human rights. The fact that the people involved broke an agreement with the Democratic Alliance is a moot point. As is the opinion that because the Western Cape is the only province in South Africa not controlled by the ANC there is a heavy helping of grapes of the sour variety. This is not the first time an association affiliated with the ruling party has threatened violent action against the most beautiful province – the MK Vets vowed anarchy just because the DA won the province.

Irrespective of the details surrounding the situation, the ANCYL specifically and black people in general need to realise that the threat of destruction for any reason within the structures of a democracy does nothing but strengthen the racist stereotype that African politics is based on the principles of intimidation and violence; an opinion that has been perpetuated by so many African governments.

It is sad that we judge and are judged this way, but it is the unfortunate reality. There are so many vastly different cultures in South Africa, with so many generalisations forming the basis of our “knowledge” of these other cultures. Until we are educated differently to properly form an all-encompassing South African identity so we can stand as one it will continue to be this way.

Threats and action perpetuated by the ANC Youth League and their ilk can only derail our dream of a nation united.