BiblioPolit: Free Media

Friday, December 06, 2013

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013): An Imperfect Hero

Normally, when most people think of heroes, they think of Superman, Ironman, Thor, Spider-Man, Captain America, Batman and many more. First, these heroes don’t die. They were conjured up in the minds of people and as long as people are willing to conjure up more stories about these heroes, they will live on. Second, these heroes do not exist. We do not have a Man of Steel flying around with people saying: “Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it is Superman!”

Some of these super-heroes have made some real memorable quotes, as non-existent heroes.

"In this world, there is right and there is wrong, and that distinction is not difficult to make." (Superman – D.C. Comics)

"Wars are never won, regardless of who might be the victor. The very act of war is itself a horrible defeat." (Green Lantern – D.C. Comics)

“What do you think the A stands for? France?” (Captain America – Marvel Comics)

ANC ‘mis’-leader calls for burning down of newspapers

The ANC simply does not know how to behave, whether on the winning or losing side of elections. Not so long ago Gwede Mantashu, ANC Secretary-General said:

“We must realise that in these elections the main opposition are the media. Leave the DA, leave Cope ... we will work very hard against that strong opposition.”

Then, riding on a victory wave in the Eastern Cape after the elections, the Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth) ANC chairman, Nceba Faku, called for the burning down of the The Herald, a newspaper in Port Elizabeth, with these words:

“Down with The Herald, down! Go and burn The Herald.”

The ANC has long been the enemy of free speech and a free media. They just do not know how to shut it down without bringing the wrath of the world down on them.

Concerning this whole saga, Verashni Pillay has written an insightful, if not humorous commentary called, Faku the hero. Her introductory line is: