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Stephanie approached him, unsure
of what might happen next. She had heard what he had been saying, listened in
on some of his remarks and read his comments on social media. She knew how he
felt or maybe she didn't. But for her marriage to work she had to confront him.
"Halo."
"Halo." He said
distantly.
"We need to talk."
"You don't say, about what?"
"I have noticed your
reactions towards me. I have heard what you have been saying about me and I
want to know why?"
"why, what?"
"Why do you hate me?"
"Because I can."
She was not shocked by his answer
but had to pause. She looked closely at him as he tried to avoid eye contact.
"Why didn't you come to
Australia?"
"I already replied to
that."
"I was not told the
answer."
He breathed heavily. She had
touched a nerve. People close by started to gather. Everyone went silent and
now that he had an audience he decided not to spare her.
"Listen here, I am an
African and do not have the privileges that you have had all your life. I have
heard of stories about people in your country. You hate us and our kind. I
heard of the story of African children who went to a phone shop and were
mistreated because the store owner thought they were going to steal. I am not
going to travel to a country where I am judged because of the skin of my color.
I have heard and read the plight of Aborigine, the 'indigenous people of
Australia" and how they are treated daily. Just because your ancestors
'discovered' the place, it seems that it is right to treat the originals of the
area horribly. Therefore, no. I will never leave Africa. And yes I do not like
you for that reason. Are you happy with the answer?"
No, she was not happy with the
answer. What made it worse nobody spoke up.
"Africans have been taking a
back seat, because of that we are still poor, corrupt, disease-ridden and the
'dark-continent'. We are insulted, thrown bananas at and made to feel awful
about how we look. I refuse to be blinded. Look at the sports today, Africans
dominate most of them and yet are still insulted. Look at Baloteli, Boateng and
Eto'. The best footballers of their time being insulted and then asked to take
the insults quietly. Well I will not. I am not happy you are here."
Everyone turns to Stephanie. She
was forced to reply by their eyes. Of course she knew of these happenings. She
looked like she was going to cry.
"Oh no, if you are going to
cry, go back to Australia."
"OK, OK, that is the last
straw. I know what you are talking about. I have heard about the stories you
have talked about. I know there are places where Africans are considered
monkeys. Racism is real. I know that Africa produces most of the raw materials
being used in the world today. I know that Africa is the cradle of the earth. I
know what happened in the 1800s during the scramble and partition of Africa. I
know what happened to the indigenous Aborigines in Australia. I know."
"If you want me to apologize
for all of that, then, I am sorry. I am sorry for the way my race has treated
your race. Let me tell you that we are human beings, black or white. We were
all created by one God. If I cut myself, my blood is red, if I cut you, your
blood is red as well."
"Please do not be blinded by
misguided rage. Don't blame me for something that happened a long time ago, or
I was never involved. I cannot control what people do or how they react to
others. I am not them. Don't hate me for something I have never done to
you."
She looked at him, then around at
everyone. They are looking down because she had told the truth. She headed for
the door, opened it and stood outside.
Francis came out and hugged her.
"I am sorry about
that."
"It is alright, at least I
have cleared my chest."
"Hey guys. I wanted to say
sorry. You are right Stephanie. I was angry and blamed you for something you
didn't do. I know racism is not everywhere and it was wrong for me to refuse to
come to Australia. I wish you and my brother all the best in your
marriage."
Stephanie went over and hugged
him, as Francis watched on and smiled.
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