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It is not my fault


(Photo Source: nydailynew.com)

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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