Whether or not there is ever going to be a xenocide, it cannot be said. What there can be is an extra dose of self-restraint in those that feel they have a bone – or two – yet to pick. Is it not one thing to believe that the unknown is a threat needing dealing with before it has even happened, and yet another to know that your choice to show restraint in the face of this threat is a clear demonstration of tolerance?
When the criminals looking for a criminal opportunity decide to use ‘xenophobic attacks’ as collateral in a war established long before the foreign nationals became targets, the label ‘xenophobic’ itself becomes redundant. A phobia is a fear. Often, a pathological fear. The men that were responsible for Emmanuel Sithole’s murder did not look frightened to me.
I suppose what I have often felt saddened by is that it would seem that despite history’s depredations and our collective recognition of them – people continue to try to oppress others better than they themselves were oppressed – as if that is some sort of achievement. To me – that is obscene. I would expect that those who held a position of power would have used that power to liberate. First themselves – which would be perfectly understandable – and then the rest of mankind.
When a person turns to lend a geniune hand – to make legitimate amends – time stands still for the recipient(s). In light of this, there is always time for a kindness. What you give is what you get. When you give, you get, you see. When you don’t, you won’t.
Life really is that simple.
C.J. Birch
very cool photo! From where did you find it? I’ll go searching for more inspiration :))) xxx H.