This is a paraphrasing of a conversation I just witnessed in the staffroom. Four university educated teachers from South Africa and Zimbabwe started to discuss current events. This is how it went:

“Have you seen the news in the paper that two gays have been arrested? It’s disgusting. There are groups calling for their release saying to imprison them is a violation of their human rights. What is happening in this world? It is no longer the word of God but the word of outspoken groups who dictate what happens. It is the same as saying that now I can come and kill you and nothing should be done to me. It is my basic human right to kill you.”

“I know. The problem here in Africa is that we depend so much on foreign aid that we must let go of our own values. We are told how we can run our lives and if we don’t adhere to those vocal groups we lose our foreign support. Even though Malawians believe such things are wrong outside groups force us to change our ways or we will suffer.”

“Yes, you know out there these gays are very vocal and demanding. It’s just not right.”

I didn’t participate in this discussion but the thought that came to my head as I sat with three black Africans and one white South African was, “apartheid.” Do these ladies think the intervention of the west to end the segregation in South Africa was inappropriate? Is it the right of a white to oppress a black?

I understand that we all have differing views and what is acceptable to one might not be to others but I feel very sad when I hear such obviously discriminatory thoughts.

Usually the staffroom talk is about how fat this one or that one is and how if she doesn’t do something about it soon she will regret it. These ladies have no problem discussing their weight and that of their colleagues.

They will tell you to your face that you are fat and need to do something about it. Fortunately for my ego, they’ve not yet said anything to me but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time.

That’s all for today.

Tags: jennifer douma, malawi

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