Racism - A reality and a challenge.

I have, in all my travels around the world, always prided myself on the ability that the people of our country have to talk about racial matters and issues.  Those of you you have had similar international experience will agree that this is generally something that is not discussed in polite company in most countries.

At work we have a culture of very open discussion, and over lunch we often handle matters that can shock outsiders who are visiting,  Race and religion are two favourite topics, and I am continually surprised at how the discussions reveal how little we understand about our fellow South Africans, their culture, understandings and viewpoints.  

For example, one of our Tsonga colleagues, admitted that when growing up he had always thought that when white people smiled at him when they walked past him, that this was them being condescending and even laughing at him. It was only years later at varsity when he saw them doing it to each other that he realised it was "just a crazy white thing". But imagine he never had that opportunity, and every time a white person walked past and grinned at him he took offence, how would that change his perception of white people over time?  

Likewise, during the recent #feesmustfall campaign, a discussion of how everyone's studies had been funded showed that everyone in the room, white and black, had been required to pay for their own studies by working, and at best been lucky to get bursary funding in their third or final years as their parents had not been in a position to fund their studies. No freebies or parental handouts for anyone!

Also understanding the expectations that the family have of a black graduate in South Africa was an eye opener for the white staff, most of whom had only been expected to assist their families after they were financially established if at all.

Taking this to a bigger picture, if we are ever to move forward as a nation, with one common goal that we all  can buy into, we first need to learn more about each other.  It doesn't mean we will all agree on everything, but if we take the time to understand other people's view it makes agreeing to disagree a lot easier.  It also means when we disagree on one point we have enough common ground to find a way to deal with the issue rather than throw up our hands in despair and walk away.

We have all of us, Black, White, Coloured and Asian, grown up with myths about the "other" South Africans, and unless we engage with those self same other South Africans to discuss what we understand, we have only those myths to work from, with all the misunderstandings they will cause.  

If, as Scouts, we are to be Messengers of Peace in our communities, we have a responsibility to learn and encourage other people to reach outside of their comfort zone and learn about our fellow citizens. It's tough and its uncomfortable at times, but the value of the fruits will speak for itself.

And in achieving this we have an advantage in that, as a youth based organisation,we can learn from the children who engage without seeing race, or the other petty divisions we use to artificially carve up humanity. 

In his closing address at the First World Jamboree in 1920, Baden Powell asked, "Brother scouts, I ask you to make a solemn choice. Differences exist between the peoples of the world in thought and sentiment, just as they do in language and physique. This (First World) War has taught us that if one nation tries to impose it's particular will on others, cruel reaction is bound to follow. This jamboree has taught us that, if we exercise mutual forbearance and give-and-take, then there is harmony. If it be your will, let us go forth from here determined that we will develop among ourselves and our boys that comradeship, through the world wide spirit of the scout brotherhood so that we may help to develop peace and happiness in the world and good will among men. Brother scouts, answer me- will you join me in this endeavour?”

Well will you.......

Ping.... Ping...... Ping......

That's the noise that has been heard every four minutes on one of the local radio stations (702).  Why you might ask?  According to the latest statistics every four minutes a rape is perpetrated in South Africa and this is part of a Lead SA Campaign to bring awareness to this horrific state of affairs.

So what does this terrifying statistic have to do with Leadership? The answer to that question is two tiered and speaks to the social context and the response and leadership exercised by people to these incidents. 

If we look to the social context we must acknowledge that most people, sociopaths aside, attempt to live up to the role models  that they see.  If the perception is that might is right and that the person with power (political, physical or psychological) has the ability to do and get away with anything, then what is the incentive to not take what you want and act without considerations for consequences that, in truth, are unlikely to arise. 

Underlying this perception and attitude is a sense of deep frustration.   It is often seen that in a group of people when they feel powerless to change their situation, and see no light at the end of the tunnel, they compensate by (viciously) exercising whatever power they can in their circle of influence.  The more disempowered the individual the smaller circle of influence becomes and the impact falls on neighbours, wives, children and those who randomly happen to be passing by. 

Consider how you would feel if you had no education, no money, no job and no reasonable way of changing any of those facts legally.  When society either directly or through its actions effectively tells you that you are of no value enough times you come to believe it and you no longer value other people.  The ramifications of that belief play a part in what we see happening with every ping.... ping ...... ping.

This context and frustration in no way excuses, exonerates or justifies any such heinous act. As a member of any society we have the obligation to stand for what we believe is right and value, and to speak out against the abominations that is signified by each lonely and intrusive Ping.

So how does social leadership come into play?   In stepping up to your responsibilities as a member and citizen of any society, you can display leadership in your daily life.  

When did you last treat every person you meet as a valued member of society? Not just because you needed something from them or because you felt sorry for them but because you truly believe they have a role to play and are of value?

   

And when you saw someone acting contrary to that belief how did you respond?  Did you turn you head and pretend not to have seen?  Did you close your ears to the cries and the scream and the condemnation?

To be a leader doesn't only mean standing on hill waving a flag, it means stepping up to your values and living them in your day to day life.    It means being an example, a role model - even in the small things.

If every one of us just impacted the lives of three or four other people in this positive way it would be incredible what could be achieved.   We all have the potential to be social leaders; it doesn't take any special skills or position, just self-belief and trust in your own values.

Every Ping on the radio is an indication of a opportunity to change things that didn't happen in time.  What will you do to stop the Pings?