I open a newspaper every so often, and naturally, the Palestinian/Israeli conflict is most featured, and most commented on.
I am very disappointed in one of our publications - the one I read most often - because of the comments they have printed. This conflict somehow, in addition to splitting the world into two camps, has brought out the best in some, and the worst in others. Everyone is emotional about it. And why would they not be - children dying goes against the laws of nature, and dying in this manner...even worse, against the laws of humanity.
I wrote the following letter to the newspaper, expressing my views on the subject as well as my displeasure at the sensationalist comments they were printing.
My heart bleeds again for the attacks that have resumed in Gaza. Another child dead. More civilians dead.
What upsets me even more is opening the comment section of the newspaper, and having to read letters or sms comments that attack people for their opinions on this conflict.
I am disappointed in the publication for giving sensationalists a platform. All that it does is breed more intolerance and hatred, and clouds the truth.
Here are the facts: for the last month, the civilians of Gaza have been under unprovoked attacks from the Israeli government. More than 2000 people have died, of those, an alarming amount of women and children. Borders have been closed, so people cannot leave the country to save their lives. Aid from other countries has also been blocked.
This conflict has long ceased to be religious - and if you still think it is, then you are blinded by your own racism.
This conflict is about Israel denying Palestine's right to exist and denying the people of Gaza their basic human rights.
I did not attack any person or religion. I gave my opinion, based on what I have seen on the news and read in newspapers. I implored people to look at the situation for what it is - a gross violation of basic human rights.
My letter was published. I was happy, because many people would read it. For the rest of the week, the publication printed responses to my letter: the following are from two 'gentlemen':
"Yes, another child has been killed, found burnt and dumped, right here in South Africa. One of many in this crime-ravaged country of ours. Maybe voicing your concerns over our own children, rather than your own hatred for Israel, would help clean our own backyard. Or is a local child worth less than a Palestinian one?"
"It is not racism - it is the reality of life. You obviously have not followed the news too well. Israel was provoked by the firing of rockets from Gaza. They only retaliated when those Hamas cowards fired rockets from civilian neighbourhoods. In future, take off your burka and get your facts straight."
I am human, and naturally I was offended and angry (especially at the second remark). However, I told myself that to respond immediately would be to respond to the anger I felt, which would make me the same as that gentleman, if not worse. I didn't write that letter to offend anyone, and I was not going to start now.
But I cannot leave that unanswered.
So, even though they might not see it on here, I will respond. And those of you who do read this, who may be like-minded to those gentlemen, I hope that you will take heed of the next few lines.
I know that many people do not share my opinion - that's fine. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I have no expectation that everyone should share my opinion nor wish to deny people freedom of expression.
I have a problem with people resorting to disgusting comments like the ones in red above.
Don't assume to know about my life.
Don't assume to know whom I hate and do not hate.
And lastly, don't speak about racism and in the same breath make racist comments to a person you do not know.
I am very disappointed in one of our publications - the one I read most often - because of the comments they have printed. This conflict somehow, in addition to splitting the world into two camps, has brought out the best in some, and the worst in others. Everyone is emotional about it. And why would they not be - children dying goes against the laws of nature, and dying in this manner...even worse, against the laws of humanity.
I wrote the following letter to the newspaper, expressing my views on the subject as well as my displeasure at the sensationalist comments they were printing.
My heart bleeds again for the attacks that have resumed in Gaza. Another child dead. More civilians dead.
What upsets me even more is opening the comment section of the newspaper, and having to read letters or sms comments that attack people for their opinions on this conflict.
I am disappointed in the publication for giving sensationalists a platform. All that it does is breed more intolerance and hatred, and clouds the truth.
Here are the facts: for the last month, the civilians of Gaza have been under unprovoked attacks from the Israeli government. More than 2000 people have died, of those, an alarming amount of women and children. Borders have been closed, so people cannot leave the country to save their lives. Aid from other countries has also been blocked.
This conflict has long ceased to be religious - and if you still think it is, then you are blinded by your own racism.
This conflict is about Israel denying Palestine's right to exist and denying the people of Gaza their basic human rights.
I did not attack any person or religion. I gave my opinion, based on what I have seen on the news and read in newspapers. I implored people to look at the situation for what it is - a gross violation of basic human rights.
My letter was published. I was happy, because many people would read it. For the rest of the week, the publication printed responses to my letter: the following are from two 'gentlemen':
"Yes, another child has been killed, found burnt and dumped, right here in South Africa. One of many in this crime-ravaged country of ours. Maybe voicing your concerns over our own children, rather than your own hatred for Israel, would help clean our own backyard. Or is a local child worth less than a Palestinian one?"
"It is not racism - it is the reality of life. You obviously have not followed the news too well. Israel was provoked by the firing of rockets from Gaza. They only retaliated when those Hamas cowards fired rockets from civilian neighbourhoods. In future, take off your burka and get your facts straight."
I am human, and naturally I was offended and angry (especially at the second remark). However, I told myself that to respond immediately would be to respond to the anger I felt, which would make me the same as that gentleman, if not worse. I didn't write that letter to offend anyone, and I was not going to start now.
But I cannot leave that unanswered.
So, even though they might not see it on here, I will respond. And those of you who do read this, who may be like-minded to those gentlemen, I hope that you will take heed of the next few lines.
I know that many people do not share my opinion - that's fine. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I have no expectation that everyone should share my opinion nor wish to deny people freedom of expression.
I have a problem with people resorting to disgusting comments like the ones in red above.
Don't assume to know about my life.
Don't assume to know whom I hate and do not hate.
And lastly, don't speak about racism and in the same breath make racist comments to a person you do not know.
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