A most terrible tale of bigotry……
Nov 26th, 2007 by Johan
and prejudice in a small coastal village.
Passing for Penguin: I came across this interesting article by a fellow passionate blogger Mike Golby at YBLOG ZA
South Africa’s apartheid past casts a long, dark shadow over our present.
This ugly bird, a cross-turkey-duck-goose or something, tried passing for a penguin at a clearly demarcated crossing in Simon’s Town early one Saturday morning.
A jackass for sure, it made it to the other side, but was later savagely beaten by several irate penguins.
Not speaking the local lingo, all I could make out was that one or other group had been or was previously or presently advantaged or disadvantaged.
Wendy was sure the penguins were naval personnel. “They swear like sailors,” she opined, pointing at the birds. “Penguins merely dress like them.”
This observation might well have explained the strange maneuvers being made in the bay by two Valour Class frigates. We left what was a most unfortunate but, happily, seldom-seen occurrence of discrimination in the new South Africa. Paradoxically, it reminded me that we’ve come a long way over the past fifteen years.
“However,” I noted, “We still have a fair way to go. Cape Point is another 11 miles down the road — as the crow and myriad other birds fly.”
This one excepted, of course.”
Thanks Mike for allowing me to publish this great story. I owe you more than a beer when you pass through Simon’s Town again.
It’s great to have you back. Thanks.
