Call it what you will...

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