pledge to take back the racial middle ground in South Africa

I have been distressed by the recent polarisation of interracial sentiment in South African society, particularly as described in SAIRR’s statement of 6 April 2010, and galvanised by that statement to help “sensible South Africans to take back the racial middle ground in the country” in order to avoid and oppose violence or violent speech. So I wrote this pledge.

I think a mass pledge could go a long way towards defusing interracial tension, assuaging polarisation and preventing conflict in South Africa. Although the pledge itself is necessarily apolitical, it might also form a common thread of steadfast opposition to any political movements which express polarising sentiments or exhortations to violence and foment those feelings in the populace. It is a pledge made at the level of the individual, not the body politic. It recognises and relies upon the power of the individual’s conscience and best aspirations.

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I recognise the feelings of tension and anger felt between people of different races in South Africa today.

I recognise that nurturing these feelings undermines our mutual best interests and our highest ambitions for ourselves, our communities and our nation.

I recognise my interdependence with all South Africans. I affirm that South Africans of all races and cultures can work together to improve the conditions of our lives and our environment.

Recognising our common humanity, I pledge to relate to all South Africans with compassion and respect and to work with them in an atmosphere of openness and mutual recognition.

I aspire to create a South Africa that is safe and caring for all. Therefore, I personally vow to refrain from violence and from violent speech towards anyone, regardless of their race or culture.

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If you agree with this pledge and also feel that it’s beneficial, please sign the petition. Also, feel free to copy it and post it on your blog, facebook page, or anywhere else you like, or to use your own words to express much the same thing. The more momentum it gains, the more powerful and beneficial it will be.

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