a bit of black and white, if you will.  If race and racism are not your cup of coffee/tea you are at liberty to stop reading.

Why is it okay for a white person to complain about the 'quota' system AND rejoice when it fails to make a South African team win?

I fail to understand why white people fail to understand the inherent imbalance, injustice of the previous regime.  I am a scientist, so I'll break down some facts (to the best of my knowledge and I stand corrected).

1. at least 70% of the population is black
2. at most 10% of the population is white
3. at most 80% of the wealth is in white hands

So, BEE, BBBEE, Quota's are at most seeking a 25% non-white races in the mix of whatever.

Is 25% too much to ask for? 25% of 80% is only 20% of what is in white hands.

These systems are merely asking that white people share a small part and you can still keep the lions share.

BUT, the argument goes

people should be allocated a position, post, job, role only on merit, not skin colour.

That is, in all honesty, a fair argument, I can't argue with that, I too wish I'd be treated the same, not as a black person, a person who possesses the skills (or requirements) to do a whatever I'm tasked with.

The key word is possess, of which Answers defines as:

To have as a quality, characteristic, or other attribute

it's as simple as that. So then I ask the questions

1. how many black people are educated beyond secondary level?
2. how many black people have the skills in engineering, business, economics, international sport?
3. how many black people have the experience in government, policy development, socio-economy, economics, development, management?

if they are, what would the percentage be? BUT most importantly before 1994, where would they have got these skills from?  Where would they have got the education from?  Where would have got the experience from?

So, if we still to use that, albeit valid, 'merit' argument what would have been different between 1994 and 1986 with respect to 'racial' imbalance?

If white people preach and believe in the idea of racial harmony then they have to take cognisance of the fact that Apartheid existed since 1948 (aside: I am beginning to feel as if the greater white minority is in denial of this fact).

The other argument is:

I cannot be be punished for what my ancestors did.

True, once again a fair argument, can't argue with that, BUT here is a question for you:

Why then am I (black) being punished for what my ancestors did not do?

Now, these two statements have only one conclusion:

How do we then address -- what your (white) ancestors did to my (black) ancestors -- to put us on two equal playing fields?

That is open to debate how to achieve it --- but right now, all we got is BEE, BBBEE and the quota system --- if you, black or white, have a better idea let us know.

Racial harmony can be achieved through constructive dialogue, not name calling.

And lastly, here is another thing:

Why is it easier for a white South African to talk shit 'bout South Africa and proclaim why they are happy to have left for Australia, UK, Germany e.t.c?

First of all, if you left, then why is it your objective to continue to care 'bout South Africa. 

Secondly why are you comparing South Africa to another 'European/Western Country'? Choose any African/Developing country, then maybe we can compare apples for apples.

Thirdly, if you could leave the country, if you have resolved yourself to not being part of finding the solution --- and leaving is not. 

In my opinion any expat that left the country and claims it was better to live here before 1994 --- implies that Apartheid was good, for the few.

I do not like writing 'bout race, but it appears a minority within and outside this country, are making the loudest noise that is not reflective of the entire country and claiming they are.

I hate being misrepresented, it undermines my intelligence, and to me that is the very definition of racism.

Back to the numbers again. Lets say we have two individuals born in 1977. One white and the other black.  They both finish matric at the age of 18, which will then be 1995.  What would then be their basis for 'merit'?  Whilst you think of that, take these into account:

One would have received a sub-standard primary and secondary education.  One would have parents who were born (assuming they have children at the age above 24) in 1953 (6 years after Apartheid was official). One would have grand-parents who were born in 1929 (the ANC would be 17 years old).

So, then how do we re-dress this imbalance, how do we empower those who didn't have the opportunity to acquire knowledge, experience and wealth (not of their own doing), --- to those who were given knowledge, experience and wealth as a privilege?

and that is what I think racial harmony should achieve.

In closing, although I do feel this way (as I wrote) do not confuse that with lack of insight --- to know 'bout racial injustice and fight for the balance thereof does not mean I am racist.  To voice an opinion about the separation of races does not mean I endorse racial segregation, BUT, do know that truth is different from what is reality.

In general it is easier to see colour than it is to find peace with the differences in it.

I do hope this is the last time I write about 'race', if you need to know my stance it's all in this essay.

Aluta, Continua.

I could re-write that to

to be or not to being.

That is the question, or those are the choices to make. Just before you click on the 'close window' button, let me explain.

To being

I understand it as existing, from thought to action within the context of the society you are in.  I could survive living in Iran, China, North Korea, Burma or Iraq, but I would not be what I want to live, I'd just be a being, humanly. (I love my liquor and women)

To be

I understand it as existing with thoughts preceding action.  Some would say, 'to live in your own little world'.

I like 'to be', live in my own mind.  There are no rules, no limitations, no  laws, no remorse, no regrets, no fear, no failure, just absolutely pure bliss.

I think that is the continuous battled of being somebody (which you can only become from somebody else's affirmation) and to be what you want, what you think.

Isn't belief based on that?  The idea of something being a fact without empirical proof for it? To want to become is beyond what you are, now.

Hmmm, this word play is getting me confused. I'll come to it, lets call this an introductory lecture.

(bell rings)

oh mother of --- its mother --- hot.  I can't work smoothly, mouse all sticky (and no! I'm not going through porn).  I can't sleep, can't open the windows --- them thugs jacked my ish whilst a window was open and I was sleeping. Not cool.

I am re-designing GUSTO --- I like what it looks like now, but it's only form and not functional.   So, I'm working on a newer interface --- trust me, it will make sense then.

I know I write mostly of the work I do, but hey, what can I say, it's my soon to be bread and butter.  I am also thinking of re-doing this journal/book --- this look is tired.

I'm listening to some CD somebody told me it's dope, dam it, this shit is wack --- I don't like house music with 'piano' strings on it, couple with a lot of melodic-singing --- not inspiring.  I find myself getting frustrated for no reason when the music playing is kak.

Alas, switching to my 'dope' playlist.

Dam, I hope I finish GUSTO by end of the week, I don't think I'll have the time to do it after that.  Mr S83 approved the design for his magazine, it should launch on Monday/Tuesday, it will, it should, it might.

After them (S83 + GUSTO) I dive into 75, on the 19th of April it will be turning 1 year old --- and dam, I got news for ya on 75 --- alas, we wait till it's re-designed (I've finished the re-development though).

Till tomorrow, assuming I sleep.

Ah, did nothing this weekend --- just worked.  It's amazing, managed to build Studio83 from scratch and finish the application in 12 hours.

Started working on the design --- one more 'wireframe' to complete then I send it to George to approve --- actually he has no choice --- I don't plan to work on S83, until HALF is re-done --- HALF has the least priority on my todo list.

I quite like the design work for S83 (ps: that underscore is wack) ---

I can't wait to start working on 75.Gamma --- I've decided to start managing my time better, on weekends I work on 'investment (read: non-paying) projects' and during the week I do the bread+butter.

and dam it, do I have a lot of 'possible' projects (paying).  Although that is good, I choose my projects wisely, or rather chosing my clients wisely ---

in as much as the client evaluates my credentials and ability to deliver the work they want, I do the same

--- if you ain't got a budget, keep my number and only use it when you do.

I'm looking forward to this week --- only because it would mean my count down will be less 5 days --- big tings going down in 16 days, word to moms!

I got a bit of that S83 to complete --- till tomorrow.