In response to http://outtaurspace.blogspot.com/2008/10/homosexuality-at-rhodes.htm
Have you been to Johannesburg during Gay-Pride month? Or even Knysna? Heard of the Pink Lourie? These are all homosexual marches, very very big homosexual marches, which occur around our country. I think it’s unfair of you to label Rhodes as a strongly gay-pride area when (thankfully) people are speaking up about their sexuality all over the country. In a large city like Johannesburg though, it’s just not as visible as when a group of people march down High street. I work at Activate student newspaper, taking photos of almost every single march that happens on campus, I just seem to have an understanding of them. One march/protest has been dedicated to “Saving Zimbabwe”, about three to “Protecting Our Women” (one of which included protesting outside Lady Frere court along with an HIV Positive support group, many of them wearing the ‘HIV POSITIVE’ shirts) and one march out of this entire year involved Gay Pride. This march was only inspired by the rape and attack of a lesbian in the neighbouring township, an issue which I’m sure you’ll deem outrageous and worthy of attention. It’s not that homosexuality is getting more coverage at Rhodes; it’s just that you seem to be listening more to them, making this a personal issue. HIV awareness is present at every single march/protest/initiative held at Rhodes; personally I view at as the most talked about issue as it affects us all, and we students are aware of that.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Wednesdays Hump Day
Yes, I know you have an anthropology and sociology essay due this week. That English tut is also proving to be a bit problematic hey? No worries, there's always time. That's what we say all the time, there's always time. I have a poster stuck on my wall that says "Procrastination is like masturbation, at first it feels good, then you realise that you've just f***ed yourself."
But then again, speaking to a wise friend the other day, she said that procrastination is a good thing, because it just makes you enjoy your free time right now instead of later. So instead of continually creating the free time, lets just use it now.
It makes sense, in a way. But I know I'm skilled at writing essays the night before, so no worries there. As long as it's done as best as you can, it's all good. Problem though, writing an essay at 2AM whilst pumped full of black coffee does not normally result in the best results...
Anyways, let’s say in a parallel universe you've finished all your essays and are home free, then what about today? Wednesday, humpday! The hump in the middle of the week, it's down hill to the weekend from here. Thus Party. Cane trains at Union, drafts at the Rat, free entrance and dancing at Friars. You're sorted :)
But then again, speaking to a wise friend the other day, she said that procrastination is a good thing, because it just makes you enjoy your free time right now instead of later. So instead of continually creating the free time, lets just use it now.
It makes sense, in a way. But I know I'm skilled at writing essays the night before, so no worries there. As long as it's done as best as you can, it's all good. Problem though, writing an essay at 2AM whilst pumped full of black coffee does not normally result in the best results...
Anyways, let’s say in a parallel universe you've finished all your essays and are home free, then what about today? Wednesday, humpday! The hump in the middle of the week, it's down hill to the weekend from here. Thus Party. Cane trains at Union, drafts at the Rat, free entrance and dancing at Friars. You're sorted :)
Friday, October 17, 2008
FULL CIRCLE
FULL CIRCLE
The issues of race and racism are said to be worn out topics and need not be mentioned anymore, but with the recent occurrences of racist behaviour around the country and on face book it’s clear that the issue is still very real and needs to be paid attention to. After all the bloodshed that stains our constitution, or rather our democracy people still continue to be oblivious of South Africa’s tragic past of apartheid (http://www-cs-students.stanford.edu/~cale/cs201/apartheid.hist.html). It seems our forefathers suffered in vane in that it seems racism continues to imprison the minds of South Africans, especially the South African youth particularly in universities. It has manifested into a legacy that will not go away and we choose to ignore it and follow illusions that race is not an issue any more.
Take the incident at the Free State University for example; to go against the idea of residence integration white students resorted to racism to show their protest. Would it have not been enough to voice their antagonism to the idea instead of feeding elders food with urine? And to top it off made a video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SNhpY6gjLw) of this catastrophe. These people fall within the demographics of their care takers, people who raised them while their parents were too busy in meetings or being socialites.
The greatest injustice is that people still find ways to justify this horrible behaviour through ideologies and misleading perceptions taking the blame away from the perpetrators. They were looking to blame the FF for the appalling behaviour of the students. Cummins (2003) claims that, “individuals who feel invalidated and-or wilfully abandoned will experience anxiety, anger, hostility and violence. We add another consequence: racism”. Are we then saying by virtue of having uncomfortable circumstances we then have the right to vent our frustrations on other people’s dignity, could they have not done this to their people of their own race? Or found any other way of displaying their feelings of being abandoned? By so doing we are disregarding the fact that as humans unlike animals we are bestowed the ability to think rationally and make rational decisions. Where then do we place the responsibility if we are going to give excuses for the people who made the conscious decisions to infringe on another person’s rights?
One thing I believe should be made clear is that colour is something that exists and will never go away no matter how much we wish it away. But does our biological attributes then dictate how one should be treated or how they should behave? South Africa is already ailing due to the political instability she cannot handle another racist period. Do we really want to go back to a time place where one was thrown in to little boxes labelled black and white and discriminated against due to these differences?
And no racism is not only propelled by white people, it is a phenomenon that also occurs through other races. I will speak with specific reference to the black population I associate with. As a black man who dated a white woman in Rhodes I would have expected the resistance to a mixed relationship from the white population because that is that is what happened during apartheid, but it was more often than not from the black students. Apart from that we continue to judge black people who associate with white people calling them “coconuts”. Who are we to judge or dictate who one befriends or what culture they choose to follow? Are we not by so doing recreating the state of discrimination and racism ourselves?
Does the difference in our skin colour really matter in determining who we are and how we should relate to one another, are we really that ignorant? Our differences will always exist the solution is to acknowledge them not try and look away and disregard them but rather find a way of uniting in our diversity and apportioning blame where it should be.
The issues of race and racism are said to be worn out topics and need not be mentioned anymore, but with the recent occurrences of racist behaviour around the country and on face book it’s clear that the issue is still very real and needs to be paid attention to. After all the bloodshed that stains our constitution, or rather our democracy people still continue to be oblivious of South Africa’s tragic past of apartheid (http://www-cs-students.stanford.edu/~cale/cs201/apartheid.hist.html). It seems our forefathers suffered in vane in that it seems racism continues to imprison the minds of South Africans, especially the South African youth particularly in universities. It has manifested into a legacy that will not go away and we choose to ignore it and follow illusions that race is not an issue any more.
Take the incident at the Free State University for example; to go against the idea of residence integration white students resorted to racism to show their protest. Would it have not been enough to voice their antagonism to the idea instead of feeding elders food with urine? And to top it off made a video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SNhpY6gjLw) of this catastrophe. These people fall within the demographics of their care takers, people who raised them while their parents were too busy in meetings or being socialites.
The greatest injustice is that people still find ways to justify this horrible behaviour through ideologies and misleading perceptions taking the blame away from the perpetrators. They were looking to blame the FF for the appalling behaviour of the students. Cummins (2003) claims that, “individuals who feel invalidated and-or wilfully abandoned will experience anxiety, anger, hostility and violence. We add another consequence: racism”. Are we then saying by virtue of having uncomfortable circumstances we then have the right to vent our frustrations on other people’s dignity, could they have not done this to their people of their own race? Or found any other way of displaying their feelings of being abandoned? By so doing we are disregarding the fact that as humans unlike animals we are bestowed the ability to think rationally and make rational decisions. Where then do we place the responsibility if we are going to give excuses for the people who made the conscious decisions to infringe on another person’s rights?
One thing I believe should be made clear is that colour is something that exists and will never go away no matter how much we wish it away. But does our biological attributes then dictate how one should be treated or how they should behave? South Africa is already ailing due to the political instability she cannot handle another racist period. Do we really want to go back to a time place where one was thrown in to little boxes labelled black and white and discriminated against due to these differences?
And no racism is not only propelled by white people, it is a phenomenon that also occurs through other races. I will speak with specific reference to the black population I associate with. As a black man who dated a white woman in Rhodes I would have expected the resistance to a mixed relationship from the white population because that is that is what happened during apartheid, but it was more often than not from the black students. Apart from that we continue to judge black people who associate with white people calling them “coconuts”. Who are we to judge or dictate who one befriends or what culture they choose to follow? Are we not by so doing recreating the state of discrimination and racism ourselves?
Does the difference in our skin colour really matter in determining who we are and how we should relate to one another, are we really that ignorant? Our differences will always exist the solution is to acknowledge them not try and look away and disregard them but rather find a way of uniting in our diversity and apportioning blame where it should be.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Islamaphobia: Today's threat
Before commencing I must first say that I have chosen such a contentious piece, not because I am a boring and serious individual, but rather to elucidate the many misconceptions held by many students I have spoke to about my religion.
Today, we live in a world where the word Islam has become indivisible from terrorism, injustice, barbarism and the halting of self improvement. It is not hard for one to surf the net and find troves of information slandering this mystical and misunderstood faith. It has been linked to a satanic cult, a sexual cult for those who practice perversions and a whole host of other nefarious unimaginable doings. Yes, one can without any doubt presuppose that today’s Red Army is not a political system but an entire way of life, a religion.
Yet, what is it about this archaic religion that attracts its 1.5 billion followers? What is it about this fundamentalist cult, which makes it the fastest growing religion globally? In a last survey Islam was said to be growing at 240% since the eighties, whilst the runner up, Christianity, only at 44%. Why is it about Islam which invokes such strong passions among its followers like no other religion? The answer: Pure Monotheism. “In the name of Allah Most Beneficent, Most Merciful. Say: He is Allah, the One and Only .Allah, the Eternal, and Absolute. He begetteth not nor is he begotten. And there is none comparable to him”. (Quran: Surah Ikhlas) What a powerful creed! There is no other belief system which describes God with such reverence. It is because of this profound book with such cogent commands that arouses such zealousness among its readers.
However, to those foreign to its teachings, the book and faith is judged by the ineptitude and follies of its many followers. Does this make the belief flawed, because man is flawed? Are the allegations and misconceptions about Islam validated if we delve into authentic Islamic sources or are the refuted by the Quran and Sunnah. The question to put it artlessly is this: What does Islam really teach?
What are the many assumptions made by those ignorant of its teachings? One of the main accusations is that Islam is a religion of violence and plunder. His holiness the pope himself subtly insinuated that it was spread by the sword. How true is this? Then one hears the word jihad and fear is arisen throughout the western world. Another blast, another suicide bomb?
Islam literally means peace. Submission, a total denial of all ones own human desires, in order to succumb to the will of one’s creator. This is the true jihad. Is it in anyway murderous? “Anyone who looks after a widow and a poor person is like a warrior fighting in the cause of Allah or like a person who prays all night and fasts all day” (hadith) “ The best jihad is to speak the word of reason to an oppressive ruler” (hadith) Does this seem like hateful and heinous instructions?
Islam is also thought to be forced upon people. The typical, “My way or the highway” attitude. How does the Quran support this? “Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error.”(2:256)
“Invite al to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching, and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious” (16:125)
The prophet (peace be upon him) has also said that whosoever harms a non-Muslim has harmed me. This is the guidance from a man who has been so defamed in the west. He has been portrayed as a sexual pervert, a bloodthirsty tyrant and so many more lies. One would think that Hitler is mild when compared to the prophet of Islam. Yet, his teachings are still being adopted and practiced by millions almost two thousand years after his demise. Surely, the outsider must ask: Is there not something virtuous in his message. Does the enquiring western mind of independent thought and forward thinking not investigate beyond the political slander propagated by those controlling media, to achieve there own agenda. “None of you has faith unless he loves for his brother what he loves for himself” (hadith) “Visit the sick and hungry and free the captives” (hadith) Seeking knowledge is obligatory on every man or woman (hadith) “here is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab or for a non-Arab over an Arab, or for a white over a black or for a black over a white except by their righteous deeds.” Are these words not compatible with men such as Jesus (peace is upon him) Gandhi and Buddha? Yet, this man is likened to the Stalin’s and Mussolini’s of history.
Islam is not just a religion; it is a way of life for all humanity. It is a beacon of light shining brightly against oppression, immorality, racism and is the way out of anarchy.
Muslims created a tradition of unsurpassable splendour, scientific thought and timeless art. This article is too short to even attempt to eradicate all the fabrications about Islam, or do justice to all its teachings. It is written in the hope that those who are ignorant about Islam will read it and do some self-investigation before conforming to the beliefs of that intent on maligning and distorting the truth.
In conclusion, Islam is a simple religion for all mankind but is misunderstood because of fanaticism on the one hand and negative media coverage on the other.
To my fellow Muslims, the time has come to educate ourselves in our faith, so that we may espouse the values so dear to our prophet. “Hold fast onto the rope of Allah and be not divided among yourselves” (3:103)
By: Shazaad Patel
Today, we live in a world where the word Islam has become indivisible from terrorism, injustice, barbarism and the halting of self improvement. It is not hard for one to surf the net and find troves of information slandering this mystical and misunderstood faith. It has been linked to a satanic cult, a sexual cult for those who practice perversions and a whole host of other nefarious unimaginable doings. Yes, one can without any doubt presuppose that today’s Red Army is not a political system but an entire way of life, a religion.
Yet, what is it about this archaic religion that attracts its 1.5 billion followers? What is it about this fundamentalist cult, which makes it the fastest growing religion globally? In a last survey Islam was said to be growing at 240% since the eighties, whilst the runner up, Christianity, only at 44%. Why is it about Islam which invokes such strong passions among its followers like no other religion? The answer: Pure Monotheism. “In the name of Allah Most Beneficent, Most Merciful. Say: He is Allah, the One and Only .Allah, the Eternal, and Absolute. He begetteth not nor is he begotten. And there is none comparable to him”. (Quran: Surah Ikhlas) What a powerful creed! There is no other belief system which describes God with such reverence. It is because of this profound book with such cogent commands that arouses such zealousness among its readers.
However, to those foreign to its teachings, the book and faith is judged by the ineptitude and follies of its many followers. Does this make the belief flawed, because man is flawed? Are the allegations and misconceptions about Islam validated if we delve into authentic Islamic sources or are the refuted by the Quran and Sunnah. The question to put it artlessly is this: What does Islam really teach?
What are the many assumptions made by those ignorant of its teachings? One of the main accusations is that Islam is a religion of violence and plunder. His holiness the pope himself subtly insinuated that it was spread by the sword. How true is this? Then one hears the word jihad and fear is arisen throughout the western world. Another blast, another suicide bomb?
Islam literally means peace. Submission, a total denial of all ones own human desires, in order to succumb to the will of one’s creator. This is the true jihad. Is it in anyway murderous? “Anyone who looks after a widow and a poor person is like a warrior fighting in the cause of Allah or like a person who prays all night and fasts all day” (hadith) “ The best jihad is to speak the word of reason to an oppressive ruler” (hadith) Does this seem like hateful and heinous instructions?
Islam is also thought to be forced upon people. The typical, “My way or the highway” attitude. How does the Quran support this? “Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from error.”(2:256)
“Invite al to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching, and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious” (16:125)
The prophet (peace be upon him) has also said that whosoever harms a non-Muslim has harmed me. This is the guidance from a man who has been so defamed in the west. He has been portrayed as a sexual pervert, a bloodthirsty tyrant and so many more lies. One would think that Hitler is mild when compared to the prophet of Islam. Yet, his teachings are still being adopted and practiced by millions almost two thousand years after his demise. Surely, the outsider must ask: Is there not something virtuous in his message. Does the enquiring western mind of independent thought and forward thinking not investigate beyond the political slander propagated by those controlling media, to achieve there own agenda. “None of you has faith unless he loves for his brother what he loves for himself” (hadith) “Visit the sick and hungry and free the captives” (hadith) Seeking knowledge is obligatory on every man or woman (hadith) “here is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab or for a non-Arab over an Arab, or for a white over a black or for a black over a white except by their righteous deeds.” Are these words not compatible with men such as Jesus (peace is upon him) Gandhi and Buddha? Yet, this man is likened to the Stalin’s and Mussolini’s of history.
Islam is not just a religion; it is a way of life for all humanity. It is a beacon of light shining brightly against oppression, immorality, racism and is the way out of anarchy.
Muslims created a tradition of unsurpassable splendour, scientific thought and timeless art. This article is too short to even attempt to eradicate all the fabrications about Islam, or do justice to all its teachings. It is written in the hope that those who are ignorant about Islam will read it and do some self-investigation before conforming to the beliefs of that intent on maligning and distorting the truth.
In conclusion, Islam is a simple religion for all mankind but is misunderstood because of fanaticism on the one hand and negative media coverage on the other.
To my fellow Muslims, the time has come to educate ourselves in our faith, so that we may espouse the values so dear to our prophet. “Hold fast onto the rope of Allah and be not divided among yourselves” (3:103)
By: Shazaad Patel
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Why
There has been a lot of talk about racism on JMS blogs, but right now I wish talk about the sad political situation of South Africa.
Black pen bleeds
As I scrible and personify
South Africa's black breed, South Africa's lost leads.And I ask why?
Why Africa as a blinded wife continues to take abuse from Capitalists
With blows of exploitation, manipulation and ideologies of B.E.E ,Professing to give a damn while they are just hijacking hoods.
Or why those without black scars nor roots are deemed black?
Why, after the leaders of past fought for emancipation,
The leaders of present are pwaning our freedom.
Why one feels the need to be a world wide woman, ignoring his own.
Or why others are said to be raping justice breeding corruption,
While somewhere in Zimbabwe votes are still being tallied.
Why the constitution chose to define people as aliens,
And expect people to accept them?
And I tell you now, be careful of alienating the aliens of this nation,
For it will lead to the alienation of this nation.
Or why they are flirting with death,
Romancing the devil's portions,
By misconstruding the threat of Aids with beetroots and showers.
And my black pen weeps for the unknown births
Lost to legalised abortions.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Letter to my lost love
Note: Before commencing with this letter I would like to convey to my readers that the situation about which I am going to write about is one that is most likely experienced by many. This occurence has really shaped the course of my life, and brought out the best and worst in me. To the person to whom I am referring if you ever read this please know that all negative emotions have dissapated and i wish you all the best for the future. This saga happened in the past and the letter is one I wrote one year ago. To the readers, the story did not end as Hollywood would have it, but I have gleaned much wisdom from it and hence would never wish it otherwise.For those of you in similar situations, my advice is to trust in your love and if it is meant to be nothing will come between you.
Dear X
I am half agony, half hope. Do not say that I am too late, that such precious feelings have been lost through the course of a few years. I have always loved you and always will. I think and plan only for you, and it was because of you that I came to my senses. Can you not see this? Do you fail to understand what it is I want?
I would not have waited even these last few weeks to speak if only I could have guessed your feelings as I am sure you have guessed mine. Your voice sinks and I can hear every syllable when others cannot. You are too good too true , you do believe that love can overcome all circumstances.
I offer myself to you again, with a heart which is even more your own than when you almost broke it three years before. I must go now uncertain of my fate, but I will seek you out. A look, a smile will be enough to know whether I enter your father's house tomorrow-or never.
Sincerely
Shazaad
Dear X
I am half agony, half hope. Do not say that I am too late, that such precious feelings have been lost through the course of a few years. I have always loved you and always will. I think and plan only for you, and it was because of you that I came to my senses. Can you not see this? Do you fail to understand what it is I want?
I would not have waited even these last few weeks to speak if only I could have guessed your feelings as I am sure you have guessed mine. Your voice sinks and I can hear every syllable when others cannot. You are too good too true , you do believe that love can overcome all circumstances.
I offer myself to you again, with a heart which is even more your own than when you almost broke it three years before. I must go now uncertain of my fate, but I will seek you out. A look, a smile will be enough to know whether I enter your father's house tomorrow-or never.
Sincerely
Shazaad
Friday, October 3, 2008
Virginity, Virginity, Where hath thou gone?
It is said in more legends than one that none shall leave Rhodes a virgin! This arrogant claim is said to be the doings of the arrogant males who continually roam the hallways of Rhodes University and more so the notorius "Smuts Sluts" of Jan Smuts residence.
Yet there is always the exception to the rule and in this case it is Michael. A first year boy in Smuts hall who assures me that he cannot be persuaded to lose this most sacred gift an as he so eloquently puts it "his innoceonce." Michael comes from a normal middle-class South African family. His ouward appearance resembles the notions many will have of the typical "jock" yet his ways and behaviour suggest everything but simple-mindedness. This is not to say all jocks must be stupid, but generalisations exist for a reason.
This charismatic first year does play rugby, cricket and also plays the Rat on Wednesday nights. So if all the peices to the puzzle are there, why does he not just conform to stereotype and get with as many girls in his first year as possible? According to him, "My choice is bases on no religious notion, just my own personal belief that sex is the most sacred two humans can partake in and at eighteen I do not believe that I am in any way able to fully understand the implications of such a monumentous act" If you think thats profound, Michael is also open and outed virgin. He has no qualms about others knowing his sexual status. "People who reckon I'm a loser, should spend ten minutes with me and then decide"
Every so often we cpme across a rare person to break pre-conceived ideas we all may have and its guys like this who restore faith in women. The female virgin is an over-played concept and in Michales own words, "Men need to realise that phsical sex and emotion is not as divisible as we would like to assume"
Lets hold on a little longer boys?
*names have been changed to protect identities*
Yet there is always the exception to the rule and in this case it is Michael. A first year boy in Smuts hall who assures me that he cannot be persuaded to lose this most sacred gift an as he so eloquently puts it "his innoceonce." Michael comes from a normal middle-class South African family. His ouward appearance resembles the notions many will have of the typical "jock" yet his ways and behaviour suggest everything but simple-mindedness. This is not to say all jocks must be stupid, but generalisations exist for a reason.
This charismatic first year does play rugby, cricket and also plays the Rat on Wednesday nights. So if all the peices to the puzzle are there, why does he not just conform to stereotype and get with as many girls in his first year as possible? According to him, "My choice is bases on no religious notion, just my own personal belief that sex is the most sacred two humans can partake in and at eighteen I do not believe that I am in any way able to fully understand the implications of such a monumentous act" If you think thats profound, Michael is also open and outed virgin. He has no qualms about others knowing his sexual status. "People who reckon I'm a loser, should spend ten minutes with me and then decide"
Every so often we cpme across a rare person to break pre-conceived ideas we all may have and its guys like this who restore faith in women. The female virgin is an over-played concept and in Michales own words, "Men need to realise that phsical sex and emotion is not as divisible as we would like to assume"
Lets hold on a little longer boys?
*names have been changed to protect identities*
Interview with a First Year Socialite
Strewn all over Chanel’s room are discarded outfits. Low neckline tops, figure hugging jeans and an assortment of shoes reflect the innate talent this young lady has for looking good all the time. However, among the collection of socialite clothes are English set books and a French dictionary. “Ya I’m taking five subjects. So much for first year supposedly being the relaxing one!” Chanel remarks whilst relocating drama notes from her bed to a desk already groaning under the weight of her text books and files. “I’m just busy with a French essay, but we’re going for R10 drafts tonight at the Rat though hey?” was the remark made by this friend of mine, the most multi-talented individual I’ve ever come upon.
Chanel Stephanie Pallent is a born and bred Vaalie, hailing form Beaulieu College in the upper class suburbs of Northern Johannesburg. Besides this fact, she remains humble and is as down to earth as a centipede’s stomach, a trait demonstrated by her willingness to make me a cup of tea as soon as I walk into her room which she shares with long time friend Megan Murison. “Living with a room mate was difficult at first but now I’ve gotten used to it, I’ll miss Meg next year but I think I’ll be over it by then. Having pre-drinks in here with all of our friends is the best way to spend a Friday night!” This is the catalyst for my main intention of interviewing Chanel, her innate ability to balance work and a booming social life. Chanel is a first year student majoring in journalism and drama, two extremely demanding subjects that require countless hours of extra effort. Journalism wise, Chanel was recently promoted to chief sub-editor of the Rhodes student newspaper, Activate. A position not often entrusted to a first year. “Activate is a huge time killer, especially paste-up weekends. I have to plan really carefully, especially if I’ve been asked to be stage manager of a play at the drama department.”
All these activities are simply aids for Chanel to make 2nd year journalism and drama, activities that are essential to her university career. Though, if you were to hit the town on a Friday night, you wouldn’t think it was the same academic person you’d been exposed to earlier. “I go out about four times a week, but it changes between a short, one drink at the pub night and those major nights where you get home and it looks like the sun is rising, those are great fun!”
This balance Chanel manages to maintain between essential varsity work and a healthy social life is a skill that (according to Chanel) is only achievable via “self-control”. “Keep a diary, plan your time. There’s always room for fun, just find it,” were her comments on maintaining the healthy balance between business and pleasure. “Not that I haven’t pulled the occasional all nighters or handed in late essay’s,” she smiles and shrugs; “it happens. Just learn to deal.”
This matter of balance is one that many first years are struggling to cope with. It isn’t an easy skill to master, we are naturally human and so we tend towards activities that stimulate our craniums in an entertaining way. Going dancing and playing drinking games is one of these ways, completing a sociology tutorial, is not. Megan Murison, Chanel’s room mate, has no doubt in her mind that her friend will join her on social outings as “Chanel just works during the day, goes to her lectures and plans ahead. We always manage to go out and johl. It’s not an issue.”
This skill of Chanel’s is one that all first years should master as soon as possible. Chanel is capable of experiencing first year life to the fullest with as little stress as possible. A true role model for aspiring socialites.
Chanel Stephanie Pallent is a born and bred Vaalie, hailing form Beaulieu College in the upper class suburbs of Northern Johannesburg. Besides this fact, she remains humble and is as down to earth as a centipede’s stomach, a trait demonstrated by her willingness to make me a cup of tea as soon as I walk into her room which she shares with long time friend Megan Murison. “Living with a room mate was difficult at first but now I’ve gotten used to it, I’ll miss Meg next year but I think I’ll be over it by then. Having pre-drinks in here with all of our friends is the best way to spend a Friday night!” This is the catalyst for my main intention of interviewing Chanel, her innate ability to balance work and a booming social life. Chanel is a first year student majoring in journalism and drama, two extremely demanding subjects that require countless hours of extra effort. Journalism wise, Chanel was recently promoted to chief sub-editor of the Rhodes student newspaper, Activate. A position not often entrusted to a first year. “Activate is a huge time killer, especially paste-up weekends. I have to plan really carefully, especially if I’ve been asked to be stage manager of a play at the drama department.”
All these activities are simply aids for Chanel to make 2nd year journalism and drama, activities that are essential to her university career. Though, if you were to hit the town on a Friday night, you wouldn’t think it was the same academic person you’d been exposed to earlier. “I go out about four times a week, but it changes between a short, one drink at the pub night and those major nights where you get home and it looks like the sun is rising, those are great fun!”
This balance Chanel manages to maintain between essential varsity work and a healthy social life is a skill that (according to Chanel) is only achievable via “self-control”. “Keep a diary, plan your time. There’s always room for fun, just find it,” were her comments on maintaining the healthy balance between business and pleasure. “Not that I haven’t pulled the occasional all nighters or handed in late essay’s,” she smiles and shrugs; “it happens. Just learn to deal.”
This matter of balance is one that many first years are struggling to cope with. It isn’t an easy skill to master, we are naturally human and so we tend towards activities that stimulate our craniums in an entertaining way. Going dancing and playing drinking games is one of these ways, completing a sociology tutorial, is not. Megan Murison, Chanel’s room mate, has no doubt in her mind that her friend will join her on social outings as “Chanel just works during the day, goes to her lectures and plans ahead. We always manage to go out and johl. It’s not an issue.”
This skill of Chanel’s is one that all first years should master as soon as possible. Chanel is capable of experiencing first year life to the fullest with as little stress as possible. A true role model for aspiring socialites.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Beating the pressure, a hero's story
“I was born and bred in the rural side of Kwa-Zulu Natal” said 18 year old Mthokozisi with pride resonating from his voice. Growing up he never thought he would ever amount to much as the stereotype branded on a lot of black South African men.
He sits his small statured body on his study table casually scratching his dark unkempt hair. Mothokozisi’s room is rather plain only a traditional Zulu head gear hangs from his closet door and he does not hold back in making it clear that he prefers to live his life divorced from materialism. “My mom died some time back and I live with my granny, we don’t have much and that is why I am going to make it in life” he uttered as his voice went quite and looking down for the first time since we started the interview.
He almost succumbed to the stereotype and became part of the black uneducated statistic until ‘God’ as he puts it intervened and he got accepted at Rhodes only to receive the letter a week after o’week. On his arrival in Grahamstown, all alone he did not know where to go and it was late at night so he found refuge at the police station where he was brought to the campus protection office where he spent the night. The next morning when he got to the registration office he was told he did not have financial aid and there was no help for him. “I did not know what to do, I only had a hundred rands not even enough to get back home” he giggled. But he was later told the he could be helped and got his financial aid and a place in residence.
“The first term was a bit rough” he said making gestures with his skinny small hands. He failed his first test but that did not discourage him as he decided then that he was here to work and that was what he was going to do. “I am not doing my best but I am not failing either, but I am going to achieve my goals in this institution” he said with a content smile on his face.
“My family and my music are what gives meaning to life” he said. He is some what a known rapper at Rhodes; one would find him performing at most gigs of the hip hop society. Despite the life style or rather the alcohol and the drugs associated with these kind of scene at Rhodes, despite his friends who of course subscribe to this kind of life style he has managed to abstain from using any, “I decided alcohol was not the way for me, and that it was against the will of God” pointed out Mthokozisi with assurance in his voice.
When coming to university people are faced with a lot of new experiences, and sometimes students forget where they came from and end up changing who they are to fit in. But Mthokozisi has managed to stay real and stuck to his principles with the help of his faith and focus. He had humble beginnings and lives his life as such.
He sits his small statured body on his study table casually scratching his dark unkempt hair. Mothokozisi’s room is rather plain only a traditional Zulu head gear hangs from his closet door and he does not hold back in making it clear that he prefers to live his life divorced from materialism. “My mom died some time back and I live with my granny, we don’t have much and that is why I am going to make it in life” he uttered as his voice went quite and looking down for the first time since we started the interview.
He almost succumbed to the stereotype and became part of the black uneducated statistic until ‘God’ as he puts it intervened and he got accepted at Rhodes only to receive the letter a week after o’week. On his arrival in Grahamstown, all alone he did not know where to go and it was late at night so he found refuge at the police station where he was brought to the campus protection office where he spent the night. The next morning when he got to the registration office he was told he did not have financial aid and there was no help for him. “I did not know what to do, I only had a hundred rands not even enough to get back home” he giggled. But he was later told the he could be helped and got his financial aid and a place in residence.
“The first term was a bit rough” he said making gestures with his skinny small hands. He failed his first test but that did not discourage him as he decided then that he was here to work and that was what he was going to do. “I am not doing my best but I am not failing either, but I am going to achieve my goals in this institution” he said with a content smile on his face.
“My family and my music are what gives meaning to life” he said. He is some what a known rapper at Rhodes; one would find him performing at most gigs of the hip hop society. Despite the life style or rather the alcohol and the drugs associated with these kind of scene at Rhodes, despite his friends who of course subscribe to this kind of life style he has managed to abstain from using any, “I decided alcohol was not the way for me, and that it was against the will of God” pointed out Mthokozisi with assurance in his voice.
When coming to university people are faced with a lot of new experiences, and sometimes students forget where they came from and end up changing who they are to fit in. But Mthokozisi has managed to stay real and stuck to his principles with the help of his faith and focus. He had humble beginnings and lives his life as such.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
