Read on Twitter
Anger is often revealing: a thread
1. Twitter is a combustible space. And recently, it got
when a a doctor shared a story of how he had achieved justice against a homophobe.That story inspired a regrettable series of events, and I wish to lift just one part for our learning.
1. Twitter is a combustible space. And recently, it got
when a a doctor shared a story of how he had achieved justice against a homophobe.That story inspired a regrettable series of events, and I wish to lift just one part for our learning.
2. Sports broadcaster, and in my opining an all round worthy fella, Andile Ncube, was caught in the fire when a tweep decided to drag him. I am not sure what the intention was, but I think many of us found part of the attack somewhat compelling. I am partial to a gay Andile.
3
But behind the salacious outbursts, is a grotesque display of homophobia and misogyny. For example, note how one of the tweets revealed that Andile was caught with his legs wide open,under another man.Or some expression of the sort. This wasn’t just a description of infidelity.
But behind the salacious outbursts, is a grotesque display of homophobia and misogyny. For example, note how one of the tweets revealed that Andile was caught with his legs wide open,under another man.Or some expression of the sort. This wasn’t just a description of infidelity.
4.
It was meant to demean the man. I mean think about it, what could be a more contemptible position for a man to be found in. Just to imagine it demeans Andile. But here’s few things that emerge.
It was meant to demean the man. I mean think about it, what could be a more contemptible position for a man to be found in. Just to imagine it demeans Andile. But here’s few things that emerge.
5.
We know that “legs wide open”describes women’s position. It bears negative connotations even for women when we imagine it. And so it is always fitting to use this expression to demean and humiliate. That is why we weren’t just told he was “caught in bed with another man.”
We know that “legs wide open”describes women’s position. It bears negative connotations even for women when we imagine it. And so it is always fitting to use this expression to demean and humiliate. That is why we weren’t just told he was “caught in bed with another man.”
6. Important to note that he was “under” the other man. The picture is thus complete. It was delicious to read, but one is struck by the particular violence not just against Andile, but women and any other person who would be in this position.
7.
We have come to realise that homophobia is misogyny. It is based on the idea that gay men are women or want to be women. Are weaker. Inferior. That lesbian women don’t know their position in the world- which is Under a man.
We have come to realise that homophobia is misogyny. It is based on the idea that gay men are women or want to be women. Are weaker. Inferior. That lesbian women don’t know their position in the world- which is Under a man.
8. And if you want to inflict harm on a person, find an expression that likens them to a woman. We know all these well. Don’t be a girl about it. Cried like a girl. What a drama queen. She’s such a princess. Why don’t you just wear a dress.
All these aren’t affirming expressions.
All these aren’t affirming expressions.
9. This thread of course isn’t about andile. Certainly the attack we saw wasn’t about him either. It revealed more about the tweep, and the stable social context that told that person this was okay to speak like that.
10.
Anger is an important emotion. It is important for our dignity. But it often lifts the lid on hate and other base human characteristics.
The misogyny, homophobia, and “bottom shaming” is now here for us to confront.
Anger is an important emotion. It is important for our dignity. But it often lifts the lid on hate and other base human characteristics.
The misogyny, homophobia, and “bottom shaming” is now here for us to confront.
11. I wish to be clear, in conclusion, that nothing I have said here is to be understood as dismissing the whole rant. I remain partial to the idea of a gay Andile demmet. Lord we pray.
It’s also important to note how, in “outing” someone, the aim is always harm. It is accusing rather than affirming. It’s a twisted form of whistle blowing, which tells us about the posture and mindset of those who appropriate to themselves the authority to speak for others.
