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Hypocrisy over cartoon

Some people have praised Zapiro's cartoon depicting the tripartite alliance partners and Jacob Zuma about to "rape" the justice system.

Some people have praised Zapiro's cartoon depicting the tripartite alliance partners and Jacob Zuma about to "rape" the justice system.

The DA has said the cartoon is "a metaphorical depiction that tells the truth and provokes argument and may be just what South Africa needs at this critical juncture. It may be what is needed to shock the country's leaders into their senses".

This hypocrisy is discernible in opposition politicians' speak, particularly the DA, depending on who is at the receiving end of public ridicule.

What if the cartoon had shown a black woman farmworker who happens to be rugby supporter, pinned down by three white male rugby supporters, with a white farmer readying himself to rape her, what would be the reaction?

It is a fact that black farmworkers, and females in particular, are victimised by their baases. Recently three white rugby fans abused a black woman at a match.

Would the DA say the cartoon was needed to "shock the country's leaders in to their senses" about the scourge of racism and sexual abuse of black women?

I bet it would not. It would say the cartoon creates a wrong perception of white men. But when this kind of venom is directed at black men, many say the cartoon was "well thought out". That's hypocritical.

Vukani Khumalo, Cape Town

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