Just in case Steve Hofmyer reads this, let me preface so that we are clear: it is never good when anyone dies. Especially when it is an unnatural death, as this implies a violent violation of their rights, obviously.
Now, when someone dies, and you ponder aloud the idiom “live by the sword, die by the sword”, it does not mean that you are automatically calling for the death of that person’s entire culture. That would imply unbalanced and socially dangerous thinking, in Latin, I believe they refer to that as being “stjoepit“.
Even people we don’t agree with should not die unnaturally. If for no other reason than their murder means that they were robbed of fundamental rights, and that we are unable to educate or look forward to the enlightenment of said person. True liberals will not rest until all enjoy the same fundamental rights, even those we don’t agree with or like, or want to be near. Got it, Stevie? Good.
I once interviewed the mythical Mr Jackson in his kingdom of kitsch. His benign rogue goofing was opaque under his own low lighting. There were shadows deep dancing under the haughty veneer that day. It’s easy to forget that you’re in a lair when the dragon has mouthwash on gold-tap. Many people were dazzled, probably not prepared to admit to the fear that gave the man his blinding shine. We were an audience in his neon bordello. The king is dead.
Not that I’m jumping on the tired, knee-jerk, self-righteous wagon of self-congratulation savoured by so many truly evil people — bankers, doctors, lawyers, preachers and other bottom-feeding scum of the “don’t-get-caught” brigade. He was a symptom of our collective condition, not a cause.
I have never underestimated the magnificence of things carnal — it’s the only medicine I’d prescribe for Calvinitis. Naked, greased flesh liberally applied twice a day until symptoms ease. Some late nights of a black past, flocks of strange nipples and hymns in the string of G have been my salvation. Titillation is not the devil.
His was an empire of dirt, and I’m not referring to the bare naked ladies, far from it. It’s what’s under the skin that will drag you to hell … just ask a racist, he will tell you.
If a woman wants to earn her money by shoving her business in my nose, I won’t turn it up at her. That’s her business — provided it is her business. And there’s the rub — it’s not entirely clear whether or not the women who go Godiva in these noon-day caves of beer and labia majora are in charge of their business.
Human trafficking is a rabid animal loose in our suburbs, and falls into a beeskraal far more brutal than the one that hems in voluntary professional nudists. I want you to show me your wares on your terms, not those of some pantomime villain whose only laundry involves money.
I like my plucked chicks free range, like Woolies eggs. If you buy and sell human beings without losing any sleep, then life can make Swiss cheese out of you in a strange house. And also, is it Lolly’s fault only?
Did he invent the oldest business in the world, the alchemy of elemental vagina into money? He didn’t, he just made them the size of billboards, and gave them a frame. He created hot vents where they funneled out before your eyes, boiling your blood with booze and boobs and whisking them away in a furious illusion of things to come. You have to admire the showman, but I cannot swallow the idea that these women might have been trapped and traded — that kind of thing is to die for.
So, although we all abhor violence, in any form, if we were to make a list of those most likely to go the way Lolly did … how far up that list would his name be written? You tell me.
The string of G. That made me laugh. Yah I agree, if the ladies were consensual and making good cahs, so be it. If the allegations are true about their passports being withheld – not cool at all. If you want a dose of the realities of trafficking – there is a movie called Lilya 4 ever- not cheerful viewing.
On Monday I asked listeners to remember a man’s life was taken violenty, irrespective of who he was and what he had done, his life was cut short prematurely, regretfully our man “in the chair” did not think this was worthy of any type of debate. This violation of his “basic” human rights was an insult to me as there is never a good enough reason to commit murder. Okay so now you may say that our justice system does not work ! It is a tradegy that we have fellow humans who feel that they must resort to violence, mayhem and murder to right a wrong. Our wonderful consitution does not allow the death penalty – and our Bible asks those without sin to cast the frist stone. Will Lolly’s murder be solved ? I do not know – will we find out if some of the ladies he employed worked there out of “free will” – I do not know … – but we must speak out and ask the question over and over again – everyday if need be as it is not good enough to say “Well he was a bad man so who cares” Tomorrow it may be you or I ……We have to stop the violence and the abuse of ALL PEOPLE and if there is a dirty drop in the ocean of humanity endeavour to have a Justice system that will pursue and punish the guilty. Nice piece as usual John ….
A very enjoyable and direct article. I agree with you on the trafficking element. It has been proven that the deplorable holding of passports and herding into guarded houses does happen but so is the sizeable percentage of willing workers.
These guys cover their tails nicely but if the problem is so severe that the Law does not seem to be able to act on it, the problem goes well beyond the Lollies. It’s a risky business, specially with the ‘peripheral’ activities attached to it and untimely death is understood. From my side of the fence, murder is murder and must be dealt with as such, never to be condoned regardless of victim status.
I still sometimes feel I missed a good opportunity. In the early ’80s lots of lovely ladies made good money managing their own affairs. I didn’t have the courage to follow suit then, when STDs were far less common among those men with cash to burn and I’m far too old to do so now that AIDS,STDs and pimps hover around every purchase.
Like most scams, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is and girls who willingly leave their countries of origin for streets in other countries supposedly paved with gold, must be incredibly naai-ive. Especially now that pictures of life in South Africa are easily viewed at a local Internet cafe.
Funny how single women still believe that marvellous opportunity awaits them, while the men are still convinced that roaring lions roam our streets. Says something about the industry?
Its always pleasing when someone uses the English language as artistically as a beautiful woman removing her clothes.
@ Ant K,
Wow, how profound Ant, John certainly has a wonderful way with words, which is why another comment is urgently needed. Regretfully I am unable to experience your vision….
What a beautiful play on words. I think this is a brilliantly written article. You’re a talented man, John Vlismas.