I just read on Tylers’ blog about a call for one day of silence on April 30th for those who dies in Virginia.
Forget it. I outright refuse to observe this. I am saddened by the event as I have stated already but refuse to acknowledge this American rubbish. Why should I in Africa observe a day of non-blogging or “silence” for 30 Americans who died at the hands of one of their own? It is shameful what that freaking psychopath did but I am in South Africa, I am trying to make sense of the thousands, hundreds of thousands that die everyday in Africa and other countries because of trade restraints, Western Capitalists exploiting the people of Africa and others who have tried to take over countries around the world such as Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Vietnam.
What about those people? What about the millions of innocents that America has trudge on to get what they want, to gain political, economical and geographical strength? Please. Keep your silence of one day and try taking it on for all of those innocent people that have been massacred by Westerners over the years.
I am sorry that I am ranting but it really pisses me off when ignorance meets tragedy and more ignorance ensues. Get a grip on the world America, learn where Africa is, figure out your history and feel the pain of the millions that have suffered at the hands of your apparent “fight for freedom”.
Tertia 8:21 pm on April 17, 2007 Permalink
Applause!
Nic 8:38 pm on April 17, 2007 Permalink
Thank you!
Steve Crane 8:55 pm on April 17, 2007 Permalink
Ja, I’m with you on this.
Jodi Renshaw 9:41 pm on April 17, 2007 Permalink
I am an American who fully agrees with you on this. I am also an American who is very interested in moving to South Africa, which is how I found your blog
Please let me speak for 50% of Americans when I tell you that we are not all ignorant, arogant, self-important boobs … I swear.
Love,
Jodi
DaveG 10:11 pm on April 17, 2007 Permalink
and here’s me thinking I was out of line for thinking what you thought… at least I think I was!
How many die in Zim because Mad Bob is allowed to get away with murder (no figurative speech intended) by the SADEC leaders?
Nic 10:32 pm on April 17, 2007 Permalink
Hey Jodi, Thank you for your comment, I hope you’ve checked out the SA Rocks blog if you are interested in SA?!?!
Glad you aren’t all morons and it sounds like you are a perfect candidate for SA!!
Welcome in advance.
Dave, I think I think I know what you mean, maybe!!
Thanks for your comment.
Dave 11:44 am on April 18, 2007 Permalink
Nic
This is not a political issue, your ignorant hatred for America should not be used to cloud the issue. People are doing something out of respect to those students who died in the shooting. Fair enough, those who remain silent will be giving their respect in a way they deem fit. What the F*CK does Iran, Iraq or anywhere else have to do with this shooting????
I won’t be keeping silent on that day because it serves no purpose for ME, not because I detest American foreign politics (which I don’t anyway).
Instead of acting like a typical South African with a chip on their shoulder about the USA why don’t you write about our own political foibles in supporting the great dictators of the world – Libya, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Burma, Iran etc. spring to mind.
And finally, there IS massive suffering in Africa, mainly due to Aids, civil war etc. What this has to do with the death of 32 students I am not sure, but don’t hate people for showing respect just because you nor anybody from Africa has sought to highlight the tragedies in Africa in the same way.
PS: Just so you know, the shooter was not American.
Nic 11:53 am on April 18, 2007 Permalink
Dave: Thanks for your comment. I agree that the death of the 32 people in the states has nothing to do with Africa. Agreed. But can you not see that some Americans are so self involved that the only time they wish to observe some sort of silence is when their own people die. Never mind the people that have died via their politics.
I am not a “typical South African” with a “chip” on my shoulder and don’t ever think that I am “ignorant” about America and its politics. I am not. Don’t be naive.
My political views are well studied, well researched and sometime emotionally flawed, sometimes. But I am not a moron. I know where America is, I know where their states are situated, I have been there, I love the country and alot of the people are cool too.
But what the hell does calling for the ENTIRE BLOGOSPHERE have to do with 32 peopel dying? The arrogance. I will also not be observing the silence.
Once again, I really did enjoy your comment, thanks! And I hope you come back again to call my bullshit!!
Dave 12:19 pm on April 18, 2007 Permalink
Nic, I agree with what has been written on Tylers site by a commenter there. I don’t agree with keeping silent or insisting on the whole blogosphere remaining silent. Its not arrogant to start a political movement or request people to show respect. Do you really think the people who started this expect bloggers in SA to respect the call for silence. NO, and they couldn’t care less, you’re right!
You know about America and have visited the country, obviously you have, you’ve watched movies, TV etc and being a great free country it is fantastic to visit, so yes you would know everything about it. Why are South Africans so arrogant to expect every American to know all about a tiny country like South Africa sitting at the bottom of a continent with 50+ other countries on it.
Just think about how much the MAJORITY of South Africans know about other countries our size and then think about how overly critical we are about Americans being so insular.
Never forget that America has done more good in the world than bad. The biggest providers of aid to Africa – America. The biggest provider of funds to fight AIDS – America. The protector of the free world during World War 2 – America etc. etc. ad nauseum.
Nic 12:31 pm on April 18, 2007 Permalink
Very, very well said. I agree, tons and tons of Americans have done brilliantly well. And I also agree that the “MAJORITY” of SA’s people wouldnt know or give rocks about America, so once again, I agree. But America and SA are 2 completely different countries. We do not claim to be the super power of the world, the greatest nation that ever existed with the best politics, governance, economy, education and all the rest. we know what we are and we are trying to do what we can to make it better.
I have not once said that ALL Americans are ignorant, morons, stupid or anything of the sort. I said “some American’s”.
Again, don’t be naive and think that because I went to the states and watch movies that is all the knowledge I have. I have studied their politics, their governance and their history in relation to not only SA’s but to many, many other countries and I am perfectly qualified to make the statements that I make. Thank you.
You said that “SA Apathy Rules once again” on Tylers post. I am not apathetic. how can you make a sweeping ignorant statement like that and bunch me and my actions in with THE REST OF THE COUNTRY. Talk about casting the first stone Dave. until you know about my actions, my past and my current endeavours try avoid generalisations.
Dave 12:56 pm on April 18, 2007 Permalink
“I don’t agree with Nic on this one, he won’t do it because there is suffering in africa, well then do something about Africa! Don’t not do something because a situation is worse somewhere else, SA Apathy rules again!”
Tell me how you can criticise the endeavours of a few Americans who wish to honour their dead compatriots based on the fact that Africa is worse off, without offering an alternative which promotes the cause for Africa. That to me is apathy, not a criticism of ALL your actions, past or life! C’mon ease up, I know my writing often comes across as very ascerbic but I don’t mean it to be personally insulting!!
Read this post I wrote many months back – http://wozafriday.com/2006/09/05/a-small-shoulder-chip/
Your other blog SA Rocks is great, however I have until now not wanted to be part of it because I don’t think it realistically appraises the current situation in South Africa. I think a blog such as SA Rocks should look at both the good and bad in an attempt to come to the ultimate conclusion that the good outweighs the bad. In my opinion it should be used as platform to achieve positive change rather than just a hollow medium for Saffas to feel good about themselves whilst ignoring some of the big issues facing the country. I never wanted to criticise SA Rocks because it would mean, by my own logic, that I should actively participate or form my own blog which conforms to the way I think it should be run, something I have not wanted to do as there are other blogs out there which do just that.
That said I do think it is a fine blog, which serves a specific purpose and I have noticed recently the quality of posting is becoming more balanced. I also appreciate being able to go on there and get my fix on some of the good stuff happening in SA.
Nic 1:04 pm on April 18, 2007 Permalink
Dave: I don’t think you are personally insulting, I am really enjoying our banter. I think that to say you cannot criticise without offering a solution is a touch hard lined of an approach. I see where you are coming from, I do.
And I swear, I’m not insulted! I’m just hoping I’m not losing a reader!!
Dave 1:19 pm on April 18, 2007 Permalink
Not at all, I enjoy the banter too, it makes for a good comment roll!
Nic 1:40 pm on April 18, 2007 Permalink
hahahaha, its always nice to have a massive comment roll!!
Rouvanne 4:59 pm on April 18, 2007 Permalink
Ok guys – I know you’re enjoying yourselves here, but the question still remains – why appeal for silence when there is so much to talk about?
It’s not like there is going to be a silent demonstration on the steps of power for the day – its a call being made for the blogsphere to silence itself in respect for the dead. (Which would just give bloggers more time to get that gardening done!).
But if everyone who feels passionate about this had to actually write about how they feel on the day, inundating the net with stories of protest, I am sure a far greater impact will be made.
It’s horrible. It’s a crazy state of affairs. I am just wondering why this happens in the States more than any other country…
Nic 5:17 pm on April 18, 2007 Permalink
Very good point. The pen (or blog) is mightier when used! Silence helps no-one and the debate on this post only helps to educate and expose the topic to those who need to know!!
Mike Solomon 1:57 pm on April 19, 2007 Permalink
Wow Nic you should write lyrics fora Rage Against the Machine
Zach De la Rocha would be proud!
Nic 2:01 pm on April 19, 2007 Permalink
Hey Mike, Thanks…I think!
If they were around, I would definitely try my damndest!! Those dudes knew how to pissed off at the system hey.
The fuss is on Virginia Tech--but why? « Musings of a Petal-ly Rain 3:22 pm on April 29, 2007 Permalink
[...] fellow, Nic, gives all a pretty good piece of his mind on the subject in his blogpost, One Day of Silence for the USA, How Many for Africa?, and I have to say that I agree with [...]
Raine 8:27 pm on April 29, 2007 Permalink
hmmm didn’t notice that my post hyperlinked back to here =P
but anyway, yes–it’s crazy how small incidents are blown up out of proportion when the country in question is prominent in the world’s headlines, and how widespread suffering in countries that don’t share as much limelight get sidetracked and shuttled to a little side-column.
If we really are to observe a day of silence, let it be a day of quiet rememberance for those who died needlessly, whether as bystanders in war, or as victims of the elements and under-nourishment etc.