It's two
weeks into the varsity year and already I'm in over my head. It seems like I
hit the ground running last week and just haven't found a place for a pit-stop.
Something tells me I won't find one until the semester is over. However, I'm
working hard and setting my mind to it. Hopefully that will keep my motivation
going. And allow some time to blog too.
For a
change I had a very definite idea for e topic of this post. The problem came in
deciding on a title. Not always a problem for me, but this one had me stumped.
You
probably won't be surprise that my topic for discussion is the Oscar
Pistorius/Reeva Steenkamp tragedy.
A story that
has had whole world talking and engaging in for the past week. I can honestly
say this is has been the only news story I have even followed so closely. The
suspense to hear the latest findings or decisions kept me checking my News24
app almost 24/7.
I'm not
going to blab on about how I think he's innocent or guilty or what I think his
punishment should be, but rather take a look at it in a different light. I
really feel bad for the guy, not because he shot someone he loves and now
regrets it. But for the simple fact that he has practically had the whole world
in his face while having to deal with a tragedy that will change his entire
life. I was mortified to see a picture inside the courtroom that showed Oscar
standing in the dock with about 50 cameras flashing in his face- I could think
of nothing worse. I understand that is a world-wide icon and is/was (depending
on your views) South Africa's sporting hero, and that is no excuse to be treated
any differently regarding the legalities. But seriously, with all due respect I
think some South Africans need better insight.
On Thursday
morning, 14 February 2013, when the news of the shooting broke, the
first report I heard on the radio stated that Oscar had shot his girlfriend
thinking she was an intruder. Full stop. Nothing more.
As the day
progressed, various stories and theories of what had ‘actually’ happened
permeated the media sphere. None of them the least bit factual according to my
understanding as the details of the incident were only to come out in court. It
could not be confirmed that it was even Oscar and Reeva involved. Only that a
woman had died at Oscar Pistorius' Pretoria home and a man was in police
custody. Nothing more.
I came
across some comments on various articles about the incident on News24 that
other people had posted. Some saying things along the lines of: if he gets
bail, its racist, he shouldn't get bail because he's guilty, and the like.
Others would say things like you can't destroy the life of a South African hero
and icon, or that he should not get preferential treatment. I found some of the
comments completely outrageous and showed a complete lack of insight or understanding
of the case. Having followed the story so closely, I realized that one could
not form an opinion based on a single media report especially before any
accurate information was addressed in court. Yet many people quickly formed
their views and opinions without thinking twice. I know that many will be up in
arms now that he has been granted bail, saying how can you let a killer loose
on our streets, it's a racist ruling that he gets bail because he's white and
famous, and, and, and.....
In all
honesty, I don't understand how some South Africans think. I mean no disrespect
in what I am about to say, but I believe I have a valid argument. How many
people voted for the ANC in the last election? Majority. And who is our
president? Jacob Zuma. A man who not so long ago was all over the front
pages of our newspapers for a rape trail. I don't understand how a country's
majority can vote in a rapist to govern a country, and then turn around and say
things like: Oscar must rot in jail. They seem incredibly contradictory in my
mind.
I happened
to attend the same primary school as Oscar (a few years later, obviously) and
to us he was always a hero as he overcame his ability and excelled in sports to
a greater degree than any of us ever have. Personally, he is still a hero to me
in that regard, and also as the proud South African that I am. I do believe
that we as a country need to support him regardless of our opinions and whether
we think he is guilty or not, but for the pure fact that he is one of our
own.
If you're
thinking I'm saying it’s okay to get away with murder, you're wrong! I do
believe it is a punishable offense and I think that premeditated murder should
result in the death penalty or a lifetime in jail. I agree it would be a sad
day for all South Africans if that should be Oscar's fate, but for now we need
to let the law run its course.
Despite
the majority of the media covering this story throughout the week, I kept track
of other news stories too. I bet most people didn't know that there were
probably 10 or more stories in the news of rape, murder and other violent
crimes. It breaks my heart to see such stories, and at some point this week I
actually thought to myself that I preferred living in ignorance to what is
really happening. Sure, I knew rape and murder were "regular" crimes
in our country, but I was unaware of the great magnitude of it all. I actually
feel truly sick seeing all these things happening to innocent people,
especially women and children.
I know
that there are awareness campaigns and such to try and change this state of
affairs, but I ask: how is awareness going to stop a man from raping a child,
or a person from pulling a trigger on another with no punishment or consequence?
It's not- simple. But what is there we can do to stop this violence? It's a
question that seems to be unanswerable.
I shall
leave you with that thought.
These are
my own views, and in no way are they intended to discriminate or offend anyone.
If they have in any way- my most sincere apologies.
Please
feel free to leave your comments below, however I will at my own discretion
decide on their appropriateness. All discriminatory comments will be removed.
My
condolences to both the Steenkamp and Pistorius families.
Rest in
Peace Reeva. My God continue to shine your light upon those who truly loved
you!
Until next
time,
Be
wise!
<3
Nicole_Kayley
