We all need to do something about the state of the world. But what?
'I’m tired of the fact that those disaffected few have influenced how we all live our lives'
It’s an odd thing really, how the actions of a few can influence the lives of many. And often, not in a good way. One of South Africa’s finest educators, Jonathan Jansen (former Vice Chancellor of Free State University who quit to be a fellow at the world’s leading research and learning institution, Stanford University in California) – said as much in a column this week. He was talking specifically about education when he said: “You can give every student free higher education tomorrow, and the disrupters would find another item of discontent and continue the chaos.” We’ve given it a host of names, this thing where the few hold the many hostage. My favourite is the phrase holding a gun to the head. It’s a graphic description. What do you do when you have a gun to the head? You comply; you follow instructions issued by the gun holder. Acquiesce. Back down. Hold up your hands. Avoid eye contact to avoid showing fear or anger. Reassure the aggressor with reassuring words like OK OK Loo...
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.