16 DAYS OF SLACKTIVISM

On the first day of Christmas...

So this morning I was once again watching the most annoying thing in the world, morning television. Everyone is so fucking happy and amped and sprightly. It's nauseating, but I like the weather and the sports results. Anyway they had yet another segment on the 16 days of activism against the abuse of women and children. Whilst I wholeheartedly agree that this atrocity should be stamped out (along with the light of life belonging to any perpetrators of this sickening trend), I disagree with the focus on this being restricted to 16 days. Obviously. Only bullies feel the need to strike a woman. How does that wonderful slogan go? "Strike a woman, get MOERED!"
Another thing that makes me uncomfortable is that we as an enlightened (I know, I can't keep a straight face either...) society, country and government felt the need to establish the Department of Women, Children and Persons With Disability - am I the only one who thinks this does more to perpetuate the stigma that women and children are inferior - instead of addressing the core of the problem? Now I'm in no way suggesting that women or children or people with disabilities are second to strapping, healthy men, although I strongly suspect that this is the case among our brethren. Weak men. Actually.
The problem is far deeper than the simple physical dominance of male vs female vs child. Try explaining to Caster Semenya that she should relinquish her iPod in a dark alley.
No, the problem is a product of our socio-economic situation, rather than one of pointing fingers. The eternally disenfranchised and downtrodden will remain ill educated and as a result "barbaric", by the definition accepted by the Biscuit Mall suburban tannies.
What's at the root of the problem? Surely not disobedient women or arrogant children? No, it's the system. A system that keeps the majority of our rainbow nation population in abject, desperate poverty and denies any access to a decent level of education. It's a system that visibly endorses misogyny. Look at our Prez For Lifebouy.

So next time you're tempted to make a remark about some poor old bag holding up the traffic, think to yourself, "that could be my beloved Gran". And next time an unruly kid screams blue murder in the mall, ask yourself "what am I doing here" and leave.

For fuck's sake - everyone - do the right thing. Not because the tv tells you to. Or because you think you look fetching in a Pick n Pay bandana. Or because it's a certain time of the year. Do it because you give a fuck. And do it always. And do it without the expectation of reward.

Oh, and on the subject, these days it is an incorrect assumption to think that porn objectifies women. The ladies of porn are very much business tycoons and are doing something all of you enjoy. Just thought I'd clear that up.

Moving onto other news, I had a good chuckle at these two "Ouwehoere". I've heard that phrase throughout my life - brilliant.
And then - surprise, surprise (no really!) - this came up on my news feed. More chucklage: ANC loses Nkandla by-election.

Well, freinds, foes and foreigners. Enjoy your weekend. Tarty Farty Tequila Party and I are going on a wine tasting trek through the Stellenbosch winelands on horseback tomorrow. Sunday morning, sore head and sore bums. The usual...

NGDG: When driving, it is recommended you do so with your hands in the ten-to-two position. Recommended, of course, by someone who doesn't have Powerslave on the playlist. Because for me it's always 2! Minutes! To... miiiiidnight!

Spread The Love. To Everyone Except Chris Brown.