The contrast of a conflicted society

Example of the filth in Yeoville (Google image)

On Sunday morning (well this was decided on the Saturday night), I made the trip to our cult favourite "magwinya" (fat cakes) outlet in Yeoville and just the thought of going back there after a long time of absence, excited me. But to be fair I was excited and scared at the same time . The current state of affairs is such places like Yeoville, Hillbrow and the likes have been in the news for all sorts of reasons, has caused me to keep my "Rambo" badge on.

Needless to say, arriving there and getting those fresh bundles of joy into my hands then getting more and MORE surprised that inflation has not caused the price to increase (R2 for a big one), added to my satisfaction in making the trip. As I was driving away, I couldn't help but feel saddened that as much as my situation from a broke student with no clear future had improved, it felt that the place had only regressed or even worse, stayed the same.

I don't need to remind anyone of the stench and filth that such places embraces.  But for me what was most striking was the complete contrast as I crossed over Louis Botha drive into Upper Houghton! It was as if I had gone through a time portal of how Yeoville and Hillbrow used to be.  The Munro drive and the surrounding estates if anything else, has gotten more beautiful. But an obvious difference over the years has been the grotesque amount of barbed wire and security cars and closed off streets. That whole neighborhood has become an expert in keeping intruders out.

Night shot of the Munro drive (Google image)

  

As much as I can relate to the need to feel safe and secure, the shear contrast really bothered me. It didn't make sense that as a society we feel this overwhelming need to care for our own and completely forget (or even feel threatened) that person next door. The foundation of society is that those who have, get easier access to more, and those without, don't even know where to begin. From all levels, even the things we've declared a human right: education, food, water, and shelter have been perverted to benefit those with money and power.

There's a famous quote:

"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself." - Leo Tolstoy.

I believe it starts with getting our hearts and minds sensitized to such realities. Take a drive to an urban decay side of the city or Township (I recommend during the day as a start) and soak in the alternative lifestyles of millions of people that look just like you and me. Then meditate and make a resolution of what you're going to do: Support the local businesses, bring food to the homeless... whatever. 

Just make a decision!

The conflict in this society, and what we've induced upon ourselves, is believing that a democratic society will bring, through equal voting, change in the lives of our neighboura by us paying someone (government) to do the job that was inherently ours.

Here's a fitting quote:

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead