Before you get all up-in-arms about the statement made by Black First Land First national convener Andile Mngxitama during an interview with eNCA, please consider the following: When defining the word racism, there are two ways about it and your belief of what racism is, stems from whichever definition you choose to side with:

1] If one defines racism as racial prejudice, the answer is yes: People of colour can and do have racial prejudices.

2] However, if one defines racism as a system of advantage based on race, the answer is no: People of colour are not racist because they do not systematically benefit from racism.

Basically, Andile aligns himself with the second definition. Got it?

Right.

Let’s move on.

As the Justice Department processes the finalising of the Hate Crimes Bill which could see offenders criminally charged, debates on what the punishment should be for offenders has gained momentum. All thanks to Miss Penny Sparrow and co., the calling out of online racist remarks as sparked national anger and great amounts of conversation and debate. It appears that in some online spaces, people are even policing others’ comments that involve racist connotations.

The bill will first be taken to Cabinet, then to the public for comment, before it goes to Parliament.

Andile chatted to eNCA about the Black First Land First social movement and believes that black people cannot be racist and should therefore be exempt from punishment in relation to the bill.

If you are interested on his reasons then watch what he has to say here. It is quite insightful.

[source: enca]