Think before you Tweet

Overcoming racism in our society requires legislation, including having in place effective vehicles through which to enforce it. However, while laws and penalties help to discourage the public expression of racist sentiment, they do little to eradicate the underlying prejudice that gives rise to such incidents. For this to begin to happen, there has to be a profound shift in the way people – as individuals - think about and treat each other. Last week, SAJBD National Vice-President Zev Krengel was centrally involved in the launch of an inspiring initiative by the organisation Active Citizens, the aim of which is to encourage people at all times to respect the dignity of their fellow citizens, even (and indeed, especially) when disagreeing with them. It is very much this culture of respect for those who differ that has been severely undermined of late in this country, and which it is incumbent on all of us to fully restore.