Political growing pains.

South Africa is a nation that is confusing to the outsider. The people are generally the friendliest, politest and funniest I have met in my life. Individually they are great. But there is this funny thing when it comes to the political landscape. For some unfathomable reason (to the outsider that is) inevitably the race card is still pulled. I thought that era ended in 1994.

The most intelligent people seem to slide back into this us versus them mentality. When I try to argue the merits of the case it gets shot down with: You wouldn't understand this, you are white/from Europe or any other reason that comes to mind of the person in question. As I said: confusing.

They are probably right. I was priviliged to grow up in a family and in a culture that thrived on a good political debate where the ideas are the targets, but not the people that hold them. It all drives home the notion that democracy is not innate to human nature. It is a concept that needs to be taught, learned and nurtured. It is a fragile idea that needs to be protected with vigour, for it is easy to forget the reason why one would uphold it when faced with people who disagree with you. And yet that is precisely why it needs to be protected. A democracy means there has to be dissent. People are not all the same, that is what makes them so interesting.

The same applies to that other great pillar of democracy: freedom of speech. You hear people saying: you can't say that, it offends people. But that is exactly why you need to have freedom of speech. It is easy to have this freedom for those that agree with you and don't offend you. Everybody will agree that this should be allowed. No need to protect the right to agree with me. What needs to be protected is the right to disagree, even to offend. I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend your right to say it.

Now, less then one month before the local election in South Africa it all is under tremendous strain. Courtcases to decide what is and what is not allowed to sing. Policebrutality that resulted in the death of a protestor. The ugly side of humanity rears its head in the political pressure cooker that is South Africa. Indeed they are right when they say: "You wouldn't understand'. And you know what: I am glad I don't.

I do know that this nation has a long way to go in growing up into a true democracy. There are signs though that give reason for hope. On social networks the people mix readily, agree, disagree, argue etc. All the healthy things that are part of the growing up of the nation.

I am glad to be part of it and to watch this baby develop into a self assured and strong nation. It may stumble and fall on occasion, but with help from the ones that can it will come to the point where it is able to walk alone. I still have faith in these people.

You would too if you knew them.