A troubled tongue: racist language in the rainbow nation

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Published on Tuesday, 27 September 2011 07:53

Written by Nyasha Kadandara

That awkward moment when you say something you shouldn’t have said. You may not have meant it, but now everyone is looking at you, disgusted.

Jacaranda 94.2’s breakfast show host Darren Scott recently came into the line of fire after he blurted out the k-word in the heat of the moment at a work function. In an interview afterwards, the media were informed that Scott’s colleague owed him money and had recently purchased a house and car instead of paying back the loan. In frustration and after a couple of drinks, Scott called his colleague a k-word.

The press, predictably, had a field day, and the public was outraged by the incident. It seems understandable in a nation fighting desperately to achieve “rainbow” status that such instances go against everything toward which we are working. 

Scott was very apologetic and resigned from Jacaranda, but would not give a reason. The fact remains, however, that many feel this is a classic example of how people in South Africa may still be “inherently” racist.

Is he racist? Perhaps. But what makes a person racist? It is the belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others. 

So in this case, the k-word is derogatory for black people and was used by the Dutch, the English and later the Afrikaans. It is derived from Arabic and is translated as “non-believer,” or “heathen.”

People use racial slurs all the time. African-Americans frequently refer to themselves as “niggas”.  Some would say that they have reclaimed the word; by constantly using it they have taken away the negative aspect and thus destigmatised it. As a friend said, “black people have chosen to take a positive spin on it.”

We use derogatory language every day. UCT students are called “Ikeys,” despite the term’s anti-Semitic roots. Nevertheless, we proudly rant, “Once an Ikey, always a Tiger.” If we can destigmatise such words then what is the big deal with the k-word? 

In a conversation with friends, one said, “It’s just too soon,” another said, “It represents our history, it’s offensive and reminds us of the atrocities of Apartheid,” and another said, “You just don’t say it. Period!”

The biggest problem, it seems, is the fact that when derogatory or discriminatory language is used indirectly, people rarely feel the need to say anything. If it’s not directed to you, it doesn’t seem to affect you. I also asked my friends, whether they would comment if someone said something discriminatory about a different demographic. Most said they would call them out, but I don’t often see this happen. Similarly, Scott was called out for his behaviour, and while he said he was sorry, the fact remains: the k-word is on the tips on many tongues. Should black South Africans take back the word? Maybe it’s just a matter of time.