Monday, 18. February 2008, 13:26:10
I am not communist or socialist, neither am I saying that Capitalism is entirely bad or beneficial. I am trying to point out is that we, as nations and people, should explore alternative economic and political systems.
Communism in the Soviet Union did indeed collapse, but can we say that it in itself was the problem or was it the people who were implementing and imposing communism in a non beneficial and incorrect manner? The idea of no private property and collectivisation is ideal, at least for some, but it did not work and the next solution was capitalism. Shown by the powerful West to be ideal, but have we found the solution in capitalism?
I live in a capitalistic society where labour valourisation and the aim to increase profits almost control our lives. We go to school and tertiary institutions to find ideal employment or to employ people in order to make money. Some people just manage to live above the breadline (most do not) whilst others have surplus and can own the means to production. I was reading that there is not a lack of food and resources in the world just yet, but just that the (greedy) capitalists have and intend to keep it all the vicious circle called capitalism. You have the haves and the have nots. And although the have nots work very hard and work many hours they do not seem to reach the postion of capitalist but stay as the worker. The capitalists are indeed clever and controlling so I have seen. They have been able to infiltrate education, the family, religious groups and other places in the private realm. They have created poverty, wars and their need for overconsumption is ruining our planet at a rapid pace.
Although I might seem anti-capitalistic, I cannot seem to escape it. If I refuse to work and create a means of income for myself I will not survive and will thereby succumb to the consequence of the powerful capitalists. But if I continue I just continue the circle that controls my life. Where do I part ways?
I am sure you have heard this lecture a millions times, but we still do not do anything about it. Why? Is it because we enjoy this lifestyle, we are afraid or are we just bound by our capitalistic education?
Friday, 5. October 2007, 14:25:33
Crazy BA students are probably what most people thought when they saw us today. Most of us had pulled an all nighter (in other words we hadn’t slept). All three years had essays to do and they were all due at 9am. I innocently (ok not entirely) went to hand it in, met up with an acquaintance and in an instance I was caught up in their craziness. Truly crazy. We cheered and encouraged to run people as they came strolling in with their essays. It was like a comrade marathon- just before the deadline we began to count them down and urge them on. One truly dramatic (I say this in the best sense) collapsed at our feet with relief. There was no really late comers or over desperate people, I think BA student may actually be getting better at this… Oh no wait our Chief Designer woke up at 7am to do hers- My bad, we aren’t getting better, perhaps faster?
Apparently there have been better and more entertaining essay occasions where people run in sheer desperation to the Departmental secretary because they have lost their essay (or so they say). One student came running in with her flash drive waving it vigorously in the secretary’s face and saying “It’s on here”. Or worse still, the student who ran to the Department with his laptop- minus the essay.
Don’t forget we also tried to hide from Becs, but that didn’t work.
In conclusion it was a good morning, it chased my tiredness away and was fun. I don’t think I have laughed that hard in ages. Emma, perhaps I will join you at the next essay dead –finish- line, I will probably be more sleep deprived, wild eyed and crazy.
Tuesday, 18. September 2007, 18:47:57
I think I made a big mistake and I cant fix it. I didnt get sub warden and I was really disappointed since I seem to work the hardest. Although I was initially disappointed I convinced myself that it was for the better because I wouldnt have time. Then in the House Comm meeting they asked me if I still wanted to run for Head Student and so I said yes.
I spoke to my friend and she convinced me that I shouldnt run but that I should work hard academically next year. So I declined my offer to the secretary.
Now I totally regret it...
PLus, when I declined the secretary of the Com said that she didnt think I had it in me or at least she didnt think I was strict enough to get the job done. BUT I know I can handle the job and that I can get things done whether or not I have a lot of work.
I missed the House Meeting and then everyone found out (via the grapevine of course) that I had declined the postion. Now people are guilt tripping me, and I go on this trip everytime. I am wondering if this is a sign... I mean I already feel left out. I still want to be apart of the team, but its too late now.
Saturday, 11. August 2007, 09:37:07
Ok, people can be so selfish and mean and that just frustrates me I could just scream!!!
I am trying to do everyone a favour and get them tshirts. Sounds all good right? Wrong I have wasted so much time and effort on trying to order and distribute the shirts and all I get is more complaints and frustrations. Everyone has a problem with everything. Either the size, or the time and place. As for people not reading their emails properly. AAAAGG!!! I wished they would understand I have lectures too. I cant wait around the whole day waiting for people or being at their every beck and call. And a deadline is a deadline so it isnt entirely my fault if they didnt make it to the deadline.
Anyway it is sort of my fault for trying to be helpful and be a people pleaser.
Guess the lesson to be learnt is you cant please everyone all of the time. I guess leadership positions also requires me to be tough and not worry about the way people see me at the end of the day. But then again I am not that type of person.
Friday, 3. August 2007, 09:42:38
I am not totally sure, but I think it may be true. I can't wait, but I am also very nervous. What if I mess up?
Well I have applied to be the assistant designer at our student newspaper Activate. So there is a possiblity that I might be part of the team very soon. LIke I said I am totally exicited and nervous. This will be our baby to take care of. We will be spending a lot of time in the office, stressing over it and nurturing it. All decisions and ideas we will have to make, but I am totally up for it. The whole conception to the birth of the paper we will be involved with. Wish me luck, interviews on Friday...
Monday, 4. June 2007, 11:09:51
First exam, tensions are high and nerves are shot. Did you study enough? We had to read 75 poems for our literature. I got through 69 before I ran out of time. So I basically had 6 poems left. As Murphy’s Law would have it, none of the 69 poems that I had read came out. The arb 6 was the poems that were examined. On top of that we aren’t allowed to leave in the last 30 minutes of the exam, Guess when I finish? The moment they say we cant leave. Oh well, I guess Murphy had the last laugh.
Friday, 1. June 2007, 17:13:55
I know I last said that its bad to always be complaining. But I am so frustrated at the electricity and water situation in Grahamstown.
I did not complain when I ended up showering in the dark nor do I complain when in the cold temperatures we have to switch off our heaters to stop a power surge. But I will complain when the water comes out white or brown. How an we drink that?
Last year we did not have water for quite some time- ironically after we had a flood. Then we were told not to drink the water in fear of chemical or iron poisoning. We constantly have water cuts due to burst pipes etc. I am tired of the water cuts I just want clean water.
Tuesday, 29. May 2007, 13:56:34
Today I visited the Raphael Centre in Grahamstown. The small steps led us to the garden, past the old building with peeling paint and broken windows and to the group of women who sat in the sun knitting.
Before we were down the steps a little girl waved to greet us. She would keep us entertained for the rest of our stay. The women welcomed us with slighlty distant but friendly smiles. They were eager for some more wool, unfortunately Kayleen ran out very quickly. They began to warm to us strangers and sang us a couple of songs. They then shared with us some inspiational thoughts and how much faith they had in God. They were zealous. They themselves were inspiring because they they remained so strong during the worst of experiences.
You could see it in their eyes and on their skin that they had been worn out by hard work, hot days, many disappointments and everyday struggles. I just sat and listened, well to the translator. Language was the barrier between me and their expereinces.
I wanted and want to help. I want to ease their pain and tell them they have nothing to worry about. But then that would be an empty promise. How can I help? What must I do?
I just realised that they have become strong because of their triumphs over trials, while we sit and complain about such minor things. I have a lot to be grateful for.
I left the centre happy that I had come but sad because I feel like I can do nothing or that I did nothing.
Wednesday, 23. May 2007, 13:36:13
Our radio shows will be aired on Rhodes Music Radio or RMR 89.7fm every morning between 9am and 10am (CET)- 28 May and 2 June. Please listen and get to know how life on our campus (Rhodes University- South Africa) is. Listen and hear what students have to say about the problems or issues they face.
But its not all about problems its about fun as well. So listen to my individual show on Friday. Its about Dancing and has really great music to it.
For audio streaming- visit
http://www.rhodesmusicradio.co.za/Listen up all.
Dance Poster Final.doc
Thursday, 17. May 2007, 14:32:15
Hi
I found this on one of my friends spots. Here goes...
"I was silent because:
Government statistics report that 55 000 women were raped in S.A in 2006.
Stats SA incates that only 1 in 9 rape survivors go on to report the rape and of these, only 7% are successfully prosecuted.
These statistics translate to approximately 500 000 rapes annually.
There are approximately 24 million women in SA-which means that based on current statistics, if a woman lives to be 50 years old she has an alomost 100% chance of being raped at elast once.
These numbers are unacceptable to me- and they should be unacceptable to you too.
Rape limits human potential. It silences women, makes them less than human, keeps them afraid and isolated.
My silence today affirms my solidarity witht he 8 in 9 women silenced by rape and sexual violence.
Freedom of Speech is denied to the victims of sexual violence.
I call on all men to breakt he cycle of sexual violence. Stand up against sexual violence and help us create a world where women are truly equal, where they are free to walk where they want to, when they want to, wearing what they want to.
Until we achieve these goals, women will be forever silenced.
We have a long way to go!"
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