Trisha Cornelius

Figuring it out as I go

politics

Choose Love

The context:
Ntokozo Qwabe, a Rhodes Must Fall activist wrote a message to the waitress who served him:  “WE WILL GIVE TIP WHEN YOU RETURN THE LAND.” (The full article can be read on IOL).

I have very mixed feelings about this article. Firstly, we actually should be paying people decent wages so that they are not dependent on tipping. Secondly, We  need to acknowledge that there is a strong link between economic power and land ownership.

ResponsibilityThirdly, we need to make sure that we are seeing each other as people. Race is relevant. White privilege does exist. But, we need to work at creating a legacy where South Africa is truly inclusive and everyone feels welcome. That includes asking the questions about how to give back the land. I feel that this article may be a distraction from our real issues and doing a disservice to movements that are working to dismantle the wrongs of our past.  Because as Terry Pratchett said in A Hat Full of Sky, “Even if it is not your fault, it is your responsibility”. As a country we need to start taking responsibility for our actions and working towards a united, peaceful, safe place to live.

The most important thing that I believe we can do, is to truly start seeing each other. To see the pain that exists. To reach out with compassion, to choose love over hate.  (And, I am glad that I did not stop searching because I found that there are people across all the races who are reaching out with kindness and that makes me happy). Some people are saying that people giving a tip to this waitress is an example of white economic control. (They may be right) I see it as an act of kindness of choosing love.

Love and politics,
Trisha

Controversial breastfeeding?

I know that I live on my own little planet and that I am careful about what I allow to come into my orbit. (I decided to make my mental health a priority and hence I am careful about what I expose myself too…especially if I am unable to change anything about the situation).

But, why on earth is breastfeeding considered a hot topic? It’s one way to feed a baby. I personally love the convenience of breastfeeding and am incredibly grateful for how smooth  a journey Lucas and I have had. (I am typing this post as he is having a nap and a feed)… But seriously.

There are far more important things that should be regarded as hot topics…the state of our healthcare system, the corruption that is rife in our society,  climate change.

People it is just feeding a baby…and fed babies are a good thing.

Love and bewilderment,
Trisha

Dear Statistics South Africa: I am an African (A rant about categorization)

Dear Statistics South Africa,

I was reading the University of Johannesburg’s Style Guide this afternoon and I learned that your organization uses the following classification for population groups:

  • African
  • Coloured
  • Indian
  • white.

I find these categories to be highly inappropriate because I am a white African. I was born and bred in South Africa, my ancestors have lived here for over a hundred years. This distinction creates an unnecessary tension, if you would like a classification based on racial tendencies perhaps a tribal division would be more appropriate.

I sympathize with the challenges that your organization faces, we are a diverse country which must make putting us into boxes quite difficult. Perhaps, you should rather simply have an option for nationality, with the options:

  • South African,
  • Other African country,
  • Other (please specify).

Yours faithfully,

Patricia Cornelius
South African