to make you think

rather interesting piece from a friend; perhaps just uber refreshing after so much bokke shitfest constantly in my face for the last three days. ha. it doesnt make us bitter or cynical, just observant and questioning.

No one wants to shit on the Springboks parade. Only cynical idiots might dare to do such a thing and thereby risk the wrath of a nation (or rather national minority). Yes it is a welcome victory, in my limited understanding of the Game; a well fought or mauled one. However no blood, testosterone and tears, no Boerewors bravado, can conceal the discrepancies that arise when the Sunday Tribune prints the front page title 'WE DID IT' above a picture of the glowing Boks and opportunistic Mbeki. A collective all inclusive pronoun, ‘OUR’ united nation. Yes 'WE' (supposedly) collectively did it. There is nothing in itself wrong with 'WE'. The combined support of fans, the tenacity and skill of the Boks’ through four years of trial and tribulation, no doubt all contribute and culminate in much deserved victory. Where 'We' and the ultimately useless ideology of national association and pride come into play is that if 'WE' as a nation are accepting responsibility for a South Africa's victories (and raising its leader on their shoulders) then so to must WE 'face up' and associate ourselves with its losses, its blunders, it multitude of cock up’s.

Boring! You yawn and turn the page. Well try turn the same page of the newspaper. See the glaring image of tragically slain reggae icon Lucky Dube. Try put the title 'We did it' over that. No rather 'THEY' did it. 'THEY' of course being the government, the criminals, the destitute, the down trodden; the everyone else; the others. No not 'I' and most certainly not "WE!' This can be applied to just about every other article that expounds on about the deceit, corruption, and avarice of our ailing nation. And yes 'WE' deserve the transitory escapism of the moment. Admittedly 'glory' and 'relief' is hard to come by; euphoria of this nature all too fleeting and ephemeral. So yes, let's loose our heads and enjoy it while it lasts because come next Sunday there will be no 'WE's; only 'YOU'S and THEM'S. Again I reiterate my disdain is not over the Bok's 'Victory'. Hardly, but rather in the blaring contradiction that is Mbeki being raised on the shoulders of hulking green men, grasping the slippery gold cup in his palm for a quick photo op. (Enjoy it while you can some might say). Ah 'Solidarity' the world coos, isn't that nice. Solidarity, I say and so the whole world comes to a stand still.

Here is a team who nobly refused to wear blazers in act of defiance over one of their coaches not been granted the right to wear one too (due to his non Serf –Efricaness). But in the same panting breath bare a incompetent, dangerous, deceitful and dare I say negligent 'dictator' high on their shoulders? A crowning glory or humiliation? You decide. Politics is not so easily washed away, rather it remains an indelible grass skid mark (shit stain) on the Omo washed white pants of the players. This is after all a world wide acknowledgement, a statement; a dishonest symbol of unity. Immortalized now (at the regret and mercy of history's photoshop erasing skills) in newspapers and newscasts across the globe. 'WE' as a nation salute you Mr Mbeki. All is forgotten while we hold and carry you (messiah-like) above the roaring masses. All is forgotten while we drink ourselves into oblivion and party like its 1999. As for the hoards of exiled Saffers bellowing in London pubs do they stand as 'We'? Perhaps. For remember in this case all that matters (racial slurs, South Africa bashing aside) is that it is 'OUR' nation's victory. 'OUR' nation's pride and you, Mr Mbeki (just for the moment) OUR nation's ever benevolent Granddaddy. Does this mean next week we may return to reviling you; criticizing and scorning you? Writing bleeding heart (and ultimately ignored) letters to the your office about the escalating crime/aids/corruption (you name it) rates. Once again to pit 'WE' against 'THEM' when we realize the futility and stupidity of our collaboration; of foolishly having let down our guard.

Must we be so fickle as to forget the accumulated insanity of his government in the name of a one night stand of victory? No, this is not Mr Mandela, nor post 1994 euphoria. Times they have a changed. Mbeki stood incongruous; an awkward and unwanted accessory in the good ol' name of international reputation and nation building. Politics and Sports sadly inexorably wound into one. "Go Bokke" I say; as a pride of devoted, skilled, world champions but let's just bare in mind that in the selective context and memory of our country. 'WE' did and continue to do nothing, except complain.