EQUALITY
PALESA MORUDU: Rightist claims of heritage just nonsense
‘SA has gone through its own process of talking about what to do with colonial names and symbols. The discussion is often difficult, but we have begun to hear one another’
Events in Charlottesville, Virginia, at the weekend are evidence of what is wrong — and right — in the US. Hundreds of ultrarightists rallied to protest against the planned removal of the statue of Confederate general Robert E Lee. The rally was led by so-called white nationalist Richard Spencer and headlined by former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke. These enthusiasts of American reaction arrived in the college town like solids floating in a sewer: rightist militia members, white supremacists and neo-Nazis. Their chants included, "White lives matter!" and "Jews will not replace us!" They marched through town with their faces uncovered, in what looked like a white power movement showing its strength. When Duke mentioned Charlottesville mayor Michael Signer by name, the crowd chanted, "Jew! Jew! Jew!" Charlottesville was also a site of what is hopeful about the US. A far larger crowd came out as a counter to the right. These protesters were black and white, young and old. They include...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.