BuaNews (Tshwane)
15 May 2008
(Page 2 of 2)
The study of structured racial inequality, discrimination, rights and privileges hinges on a recognition that racialised individuals and communities, who enter the labour market, enter the educational system, and seek goods and services (among other things), will face a structure of opportunities that are mediated by their race, gender, disability etc. Precisely because of the existence of discrimination and barriers all people in society do not start from the same spot, and do not compete on an equal footing with each other.
The study of racial inequality and racial discrimination in South Africa is a study of how phonotypic characteristics are structured, continually reproduced, and are used to deny people access to the valued goods and services in society.
Structured racial exclusion then is the process by which individuals and groups with certain socially valued attributes are better positioned than racialised individuals and groups who do not possess or are denied the attributes, to secure a greater share of society's valued goods, services, rewards and privileges; and to use these benefits to reinforce their control over rights opportunities and privileges in society. In so doing racial inequality and unequal access in society are structured and continually reproduced. Advantages and a disproportionate share of society's resources are conferred on those who possess the valued attributes.
The struggles against slavery and colonialism, the struggles for independence and for equality were simultaneously struggles against racism and racial discrimination. The anti-colonial struggles, the civil rights movement in the United States and - especially - our own anti-apartheid struggle, all provided continued impetus and momentum for the fight against racism. However the fight against racial discrimination is not over. In the present conjuncture it has taken on different forms. In many countries around the world, as a result of the post 1960s massive increase in the global migration of peoples there are issues of xenophobia and the socio-economic and political rights of immigrants and other legal migrants, as well as the rights of undocumented migrants and refugees. In many zones of conflict there are issues of religious and ethnic persecution and ethnic cleansing. The cases of Bosnia and Rwanda throw into sharp relief the tension between a commitment to human rights everywhere and national sovereignty.
Issues of racialised poverty, labour market integration, the existence of the dual "racialised" labour market, representation and the range of complex issues related to the socio-economic and political inclusion of historically disadvantaged groups all require sustained policy initiatives.
The critical challenges that we face in the contemporary era are therefore manifold and they include the following:
Racism and racial discrimination constitute fundamental violations of human rights and the core issues that preoccupy historically disadvantaged communities now also include issues of power, access, equity, representation and participation, transformation and removal of discriminatory barriers, institutional accommodation and non-racism. Are international conventions and national constitutions proclaiming equality of all and freedom from discrimination on enumerated grounds including race sufficient to create inclusive societies?
In seeking to accommodate differences, promote unity in diversity and promote heterogeneous social cohesion in our country, there has to be space for the state to intervene to ensure equality of opportunity. Social inclusion and the creation of non-racist, non-sexist societies involves a sustained commitment to equality of opportunity which ensures that all members of society are provided with the opportunity to develop their talents and capacities and secure valued goods and services free from discrimination. South Africa will be infinitely enriched if we continue the dialogue about how to embrace the principles of non-racism, non-sexism and social inclusion as transformative tools and as normative ideals.
Part two of this dialogue on racism will explore the Constitutional imperative to engage in a wide ranging process of transformation. It will also identify initiatives that our government has undertaken to simultaneously deal with the legacy of apartheid and build a socially cohesive country united in its diversity.
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