4:51 PM Why is the UFS issue being blown out of proportion?

Shrek -

We have all seen the recent articles regarding the Vice Chancellor of the University of Free State to “allow” the racist students to return to the institution in order to continue with their studies. There has been much controversy regarding this issue. This is yet another example of how people have failed to see the commendable act being undertaken by this individual. The whole emphasis placed behind his reasoning in allowing, not encouraging, or inviting the students to return is based on reconciliation. The articles that we have seen from mainstream newspapers of late have been sensationalist, and have used tabloid ethics to influence their articles. The gesture made by Prof. Jansen is admirable, and (if one has read his inauguration speech) will be reminded of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee (TRC) trials. He aims to change the policies of the University which allow for the manifestations of such actions by students. What has been failed to be reported upon are the actions that are planned to be undertaken at the University in order to make it an institution that values social justice, integrity, forgiveness, and racial reconciliation. There are planned demonstrations across the country regarding this issue, yet I feel that many people are misinformed about what they are demonstrating against. A demonstration against racism is praiseworthy yet against the Vice Chancellor’s decision, is ignorant of all the facts that readily open for everyone to interrogate. In order to live in a society free of racism, discrimination and prejudice we need to forgive, and as South Africans, we should not forget that we have reached the position we are in now because of individuals who were able to look beyond the pigmentation of one’s skin, and strive for unity and peace.

Hyperlinks

http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/gatherer/2009/10/17/media-misses-the-point-on-ufs-students/

http://www.ufs.ac.za/content.php?pageid=5905

http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/gatherer/2009/02/09/listen-free-alison-krauss-and-robert-plant/

 

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