De-idioting his mind, more like

Anyone ever heard a constructed, well reasoned effort at what Black culture actually is? And even harder, has anyone heard the same effort made to explain why it's better than Western culture?

They're the only people whining about Western culture, and it's plain to see why: they simply can't keep up, so their frustration boils over and they lash out instead of addressing their shortcomings. Well I've done my bit to set the record straight.

I have very little hope they'll allow this to be published.

http://voices.news24.com/themba-radebe/2012/12/decolonising-the-mind/

G-man:

You've outlined both nothing (apart from fancy rhetoric with no point) and the partial problems that lie with your culture.

You see, averting your eyes when talking to elders as a sign of respect, explains quite a lot. Your elders take advantage of your given respect by abusing your confidence in them without having to actually EARN that respect like we Westerners have to. Respect - to us - is earned, not granted because of something as trivial as age. And to prove how elders of Black Culture (whatever the hell that is) takes advantage of your misplaced respect I give you exhibit 'A', The ANC and all it's puffed up, swanning leaders who treat all it's citizens like subjects, as if they're kings of their domain. And it's all thanks to you and your silly Afro-respect.

But what else do you hide up your cultural sleeve? What else makes your culture so much better suited for your lifestyle and how you conduct yourselves? On the surface, it doesn't seem like there are any true virtues, especially when you consider how you lot (dis)respect the rule of law. You're already making noises to the effect that laws are White constructs, and you should all go back to the old ways (where these same elders would have you crucified because of some old Zulu grudge they were told about your family 'round the camp fire). It's an excuse to behave like thugs, not to adhere to old cultural principles like you say.

It is plain to see that Africans just don't want any White interference, and by that I mean they don't want our criticism. Surprisingly (to you) we're not taught to hate you, and there's no mass conspiracy to laugh behind your sub-cultural backs whenever you make one of the expected cock-ups we seem to spend time excusing. No, we simply want the best for us, AND YOU. And criticism of your culture - which I understand you would prefer being treated as untouchable - should be welcomed, as it either galvanizes your position, or it makes you take stock of your beliefs. In this way you can improve. That's how we roll.

ALL reasonable people and cultures accept this instinctively. But not Africans. No. You demand special treatment where we lower the bar for you, give you a puddy up mahala, excuse your shortcomings and ignore your obvious, dangerous faults. But not me. I prefer treating you like I would prefer being treated, which ironically means respecting you enough to correct you when you most need it.