This year marks the 20th anniversary of Spike Lee’s film-making career. To those who do not know him, he is the first African-American to make it big in Hollywood, if you like.
Lee produced and directed films like School Daze, Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X and, my best movie, Bedazzled.
Of course, he has got other works.
I found myself thinking about him because he preferred to be interviewed by black journalists when he broke into the international spotlight.
That was big news, that a black man could decline media interviews and exposure by white global forces that had appropriated the right to define what other people represented and meant.
I had been invited to interview him when he visited the country to film and promote Malcolm X in the early 1990s but for some reason the interview did not take place.
I’ve been thinking about Spike because his stance has an important lesson for South African creative intellectuals who are black. Unless they adopt the Lee stance, they are allowing their history to be written by other people who don’t understand them.
You see, those who write newspaper profiles, features and reviews about black aesthetics, for instance, control the future because that will be tomorrow’s history and heritage.
We cannot ignore the single most important truth about South Africa: local whites don’t know blacks, let alone their condition. I know you may charge that this is an unfair generalisation but when it comes to the black reality, whites are foreigners.
What they speak about, know or write in their newspapers is mostly an illusion or perpetuates a stereotype. My big question is: why do blacks allow whites to be the judges, reviewers and critics who give the final word on the black aesthetic and condition or what makes it tick when they know absolutely nothing about it?
Of course, it is not enough to say this is a vicious legacy of apartheid and racism where whites are so superior that they continue to pronounce their ignorance about the black condition and it is taken as gospel truth, especially by blacks themselves.
I think black creative intellectuals must put a stop to this!
Part of putting a stop to this lies in asking the question: why are there no African critics to review and critique works by black creative intellectuals?
Now, as far as I am concerned, it is not a mistake that there are no black critics.
Someone else may even be right to say that there is no culture of criticism in South Africa, which is permeated by fake consensus on critical issues. But the absence of black critics is a deliberate creation of the bourgeoisie existence to perpetuate a situation where whites are the experts and they tell us what is black and what is not.
In fact, whites and their cohorts have retained the power and monopoly not only to define blackness but to reinvent it in the white image.
As I have said, those who review plays by Aubrey Sekhabi, Martin Koboekae, Mbongeni Ngema and James Ngcobo in the present control the future in that they are writing African history.
If blacks want to control their past and future they must, like Lee, insist that blacks be given preference, space and time to review their creative output.
If they do not, blacks should not be surprised when their history, in 50 years’ time, is viewed through a white lens and is presented from a white perspective.
I want to believe that one of the major aims of the struggle was cultural self-determination.
Unfortunately, there is far too little of that in cultural journalism and the creative industries.
It is a problem that needs a Spike Lee approach.
As Albert Einstein said: “We cannot solve old problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”
a really great post.
youre right. Black people need to write their own histories but we also need to build a greater interest in culture and history among young black people. Young black people are more interested in studies and work that is individually enriching rather than communally important. But its also alot about how much we value white culture and norms, above our own. Especially as designers or artists. Our educations only prepare us to appreciate their culture as the bench mark and at best we get a one week insert on ‘african.. whatever’. Education transformation especially at tertiary institutions is so imporatant. Im at UCT, the most backward uni by far, and we had a white woman, come teach us about ubuntu and xhosa culture. It was just sad, very sad…
Bamboozled is the film you’re looking for.
Bedazzled is the story of a dude who makes a pact with Satan to make his life better!
But definitely , I think if South Africa could produce a Spike, it would be awesome. for everyone not just black people. We need all the creative energy we can get.
BTW if you liked bamboozled, on the same theme is this film from Nas – the hip hop artist – about the fate of hip hop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgRAgJI7aoc
“If blacks want to control their past and future they must, like Lee, insist that blacks be given preference, space and time to review their creative output”
Yeah, right, then what does someone do when a racist and/or jealous nation like Australia or England begin to our African athletes–even going to an extent of accusing some of us of/for being boys while they are, in fact, girls.
The point you make is interesting but I do wonder the response if a white person refused to be interviewed by a black person! I am certain they would be branded a racist by both black and white! And secondly, could it not then be argued that South African blacks (for the same reasons you gave) therefore don’t fully understand South African whites and so shouldn’t commentate either??? I would argue that Spike Lee feels more comfortable in “white” America that in the rural areas of East Africa. You confuse racism with socio-economic status, class and income; something both white AND black aspire to improve upon.
Saying whites in SA are foreigners is xenophobic and plain racist. Funny that you are writing for what is considered by most to be a “white liberal” newspaper!
Why can`t black people just go out there and do what has to be done and stop mourning about whites. Aren`t we living in a democracy in which we can excel to our hearts` delight.
Oh dear, Sandile’s only currency is racism. By the way, by your standards how can Spike Lee be termed “American” at all if he ain’t indigenous to the continent. After all, you’re adamant whites can’t be Africans.
Spike Lee is an interesting Film Maker but you fail to mention the two most notable crticisms of him:
1) If he was a white Director and insisted on being interviewed by White Journalists he would be described as blatantly racist
2) Most of his films are “descriptive of Black Experience but offer no solutions or routes of progress” and he has become a “niche” direcotr of “Black” Films that go over well worn subjects (Black Education, high yellas, mixed race relationships with Italians) even if he does sometimes use a new viewpoint.
I prefer the slightly surreal Australian films such as “Walkabout.”
“I want to believe that one of the major aims of the struggle was cultural self-determination”
This statement, which could be called the crux of your argument, has an unfortunate ring to it given the context of our history. Why do I think that the grand old masters of apartheid might have agreed with you.
Great article, and very true. Spike Lee’s movies are excellent – real, gritty and from the heart. I agree that SA needs more insights into the authentic black experience – Tsotsi and Hijack Stories notwithstanding. I also tend to think these movies show a somewhat negative view of black experience having a crime theme – there are just as many stories of peaceful suburban life that could be told.
Spike Lee’s flicks are really boring and fifth-rate.
I dont get it. I agree that the SA white superiority complex is matched in magnitude by the black inferiority complex…….but how can u blame Apartheid for the lack of Black media critics. Blacks critisize people and parties everyday…..so whats stopping a black person from being a media critic? From my working experience I know that the only Black people in power who shy away from putting their reps on the line are tokens. Perhaps its the same in the media?
Of course Spike Lee is a minority group in America, just like whites are in SA. So presumably, whites in SA should be grumpy and refuse to talk to blacks (see how enlightened I am, Sandile ! I’m still talking to you…).
News is made and defined by journalists. There are many South American journalists, French, Turkish,… who all make the news. Of course, Sandile, if you insist on only reading Western European newspapers and historians, you could well get a Western European slant. Simple answer: don’t read them.
But as for Spike: if he wants to be a racist in a little American ghetto then
a) it goes against everything Martin Luther King lived for and
b) it’s a very poor example for minority groups in SA…
I wonder how you would respond to the two points raised by Alisdair Budd. I will admit in believing that the initial purpose of the article was to empower blacks in constructing and deconstructing their world in a way that is trully authentic, but remember that there shall never be equality in the world of race.Not even with Democracy would save us.
Sandile,
You as a black person do not understand the way white south africans think .If you had you would notice that the moyority of us desire and have the neccesary skills to make a mayor contribution towards making SA a better place for all of us that live in.
Maybe instead of aiming to get yourself heard all the time you should roll up your sleeves and work yourself into a position where the rest of us can do or say nothing but respect you . In other words do something for a change to earn the respect of others .Like they say talk is cheap but it is the money that buys the whisky.
This is a very stimulating idea, Sandile. May I make an apppointment to interview you about it for syndicated trade publications?
Let me assure you that I am “black” in my sentiments, habits, eating-habits and consumer preferences. Admittedly, I suffer from a somewhat melanin-deficient epidermis. But I plan to remedy that with a rigorous regime of suntanning and, if necessary, a little boot polish, applied very lightly on the morning of our meeting. I really look forward to talking to you! Would sometime next week suit?
In the interest of debate, will our Sandile Memela respond to issues raised in relation to his blog. It serves no purpose to comment when there will be no response from the author.
Isn’t RACISM A BELIEF THAT SOMEONE IS INFERIOR BASED ON THEIR RACE? I would also refuse to be interviewd by white person from a company that refused to employ me but once to get ratings/sell on my name once I make it on my own, that is not a racist step but a refusal to be exploited, I would also refuse the same from a ‘black company. Anyway somebody explain to me why do white South Africans continue to be so ignorant of racism even when they hold university degrees. I can’t believe that people feel threatened by this article when the stats show that they still hold onto all industries(Film included)
I get Mr Memelas point and I agree because people like Darrell Roodt (Zimbabwe, Faiths Corner, Yesterday) have made films on ‘black’ experiences and the results are offending to say the list(at least for those who know strong ‘black’ women even in poverty) so truth is, White South Africa needs to cleanse itself (See Gavin Hoods’s Sangoma visit scene in A Reasonable Man when he is cleansed) I strongly feel that as a story teller he has underwent that process, and Ian Kaganof has made films about black culture that did not depict poverty and helplessness but energy and a desire to change our fate.
The racism in the Thoughtleader blogs is the reason I agree with Memela, even educated ‘white’ South Africans just hide their racism until they are provoked!!!
with this article sandile attempts to do the unpopular; to remind people of the fact that black people were oppressed for some 350 years and there are certain things that still remain unchanged. The equity debate is always going to be unpopular and highly emotional. A good piece nevertheless!
Dear Sabelo
You will notice I agree entirely with Mr Memela’s views. However I have to point out that no race has a monopoly on racism, and both black and white people can be equally racist – as you correctly but incompletely point out there are examples of both on Thought Leader. All of SA needs to cleanse itself – the mote (or the log) is in all our eyes.
Looks,
I suppose it depends on whether you want to look backwards always to justify your actions or look forward.
If you just want to look back, by all means. That will justify reverse-racism (AA, BEE) and many another perk – such as corruption, blue-light buffoons, jobs for cronies etc. (Now which country is doing all this…?)
If you want to look ahead – and this was the point of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission incidentally – to make SA a better place, then don’t do the National Party thing and only look after ANC supporters. Look for the good of the country. Build unity.
On the other hand, do you seriously think that elevating black voices Sandile’s way builds unity in SA ???
Even honesty would be good. With his approach, just be honest and say to whites/coloureds/Indians/Chinese/non-black Africans: “We have a policy of driving you out of the country – like Nonquase. Here’s a ticket to any country you like.” – and watch SA disintegrate.
“I am bothered by the phenomenon of a black majority in power, seeming to reduce itself to the status of complainants as if they had limited capacity to do anything significant about the situation other than drawing attention to it,” Prof. Njabulo Ndebele delivering the 1st Steve Biko Memorial lecture in 2000.
When the good Pro uttered these profound and prophetic words he had in mind the likes Sandile Memela in mind who despite their capacity and opportunities offer the nation nothing by complaints about the state of the nation.
We need turn-around practitioners and not mourners, the latter we have in abundance and are of no relief at all.
@ Mark Robertson, i am yet to meet a ‘black’ person who believes ‘white’ people are inferior beings because of the colour of their skin. Mark can you refer me to any website where ‘black’ people organise and perpetrate racism and hate for black people?????? See newnation, southafricathetruth, chritsianpost, stormfront, boerevryheid to mention just the local ones (add .com or .net) and a host of foul websites where white people gather to pedal their hate for ‘black’ people. To this day I haven’t been able to find a ‘black only’ website whose sole existence is to say that ‘white’ people are lesser beings.
TRUTH be told, most black people think highly of ‘white’ people which is why white people are able to walk all-over us. I assume ven Mr Memela himself could tell stories of old people creating idioms/sayings around ‘white’ people.
So Mark I do not believe there is a ‘black’ person who believes, as the defination of RACISM suggests, that ‘white’ people are inferior. You are also welcome to give me links to websites where ‘black’ racists gather.
Peter, Its amazing how we are always asked to “move foward” all in the interests of “forgetting” the past. Nobody does that! Especially when there is still a subtle campaign to continue the suppresion of black people through racism and exclusion from opportunities,etc. It doesnt take 15 years to undo the injustices of 350 years plus. Think about it though, for whom is it convenient if we all just “forgot” and moved on in the interests of “progress”? Please, you will not be allowed to forget,for obvious reasons.
White South Africa always debates from the point of ‘mine is bigger than yours’ whether its intelligence, pain or points. So its really impossible to educate them. Most of them don’t even know how the majority of its fellow citizens live. So really a blogger cannot be taken seriously, but if facebook is boring, we could engage the ‘Chinese wall’ tough minds to change, and be hopeful that the ‘Berlin one fell’.
If ‘FORGET and MOVE ON’ was possible, the Jewish community wouldn’t need THE JEWISH BOARD OF DEPUTIES, so really don’t tell people living in rooftin shacks to get over it, especially when you haven’t gotten over loosing your apartheid insured previledges. As for those lending their voice to criticising S.A when they got nothing to say about injustices perpetrated against the African persons world over, your sleeve is showin.
‘LIBERALISM IS THE CULTURE OF THE RICH’
Looks,
For a history lesson from the past on how a nation “gets over it” you only have to look at the Japanese after WWII .I would sincerely like to suggest that you take a leaf out of their book so that we can move forward .
@S.P. van Niekerk Japans problems were more external than internal, WWII did not take 300 est. so really now!!, the issue of South Africa is not applicable, and please make me an example about a country that transformed through dialogue not bombs, spying allies and all that.
Sabelo,
You missed my point . The lesson for you is “How to get over it”.
@ S.P.van Niekerk How does one section of the nation get over it when one logs into web and live by it(hate that is). We can’t build a nation on two-faced approaches- How can i be sure that my ‘white’ collegue who eats, jokes and plays with me during the day, does not get home and log into the mentioned sites and starts using me as his study or closely observed ‘barbarian’ – lets face it, ‘white’ South Africans racism takes this country back years and years. What about refusing to change names like Queen Victoria, H.F Verwoed, anyone who loves the South Africa should know that Verwoed tried to destroy this country, infact he did by destroying the financial standing of the African majority. How do you explain ‘white’ South Africa defending British thugs as heroes and National Party killers as ‘Our heroes’ worthy of naming our streets with??? How do you defend the Smiths, West, Musgrave when we in KZN know what they did to our people in the NAME OF THEIR QUEEN, and you tell me I should let it be??
We need a million Spike Lee’s, Owen ‘Alik Shahadah’s (500 Years Later)
Sabelo,
Hugh !! What the hell are you talking about ?
Hear, hear @ Sabelo! Like Gwede Mantashe said; racism is still the elephant in the room that everyone is afraid to talk about.
@S.P.van Niekerk I am talking about the websites that thousands of South Africans(white) participate in and cultivate hate, racism for African people. You know them and I refered you to them don’t pretend you don’t. Am talking about white South Africans refusing a move to change names like H.F Verwoed, Smith Street, West Street, in the claim that it is our history. That there is a first sign of refusal to see yourself as part of the community broken by apartheid and colonisation, there is evidence that most white South Africans want to claim ‘african identity’ but also keep ‘conqueror orf Africa mentality’ then you ask who is confused? Why fight for a street named after Queen Victoria if you agree that colonisation was evil?
Basicly I am saying there is no way we are going to shut up, we have 300 years of talking, writing and filmmaking, no amount of ridicule will silence us.
The amount of community work we do reminds us every day that we need to change the status of the African people for the better, no amount of ‘white’ arrogance and ‘black’ ignorance can stop us from generating more better than Spike Lee independent producers, we already have hope in the likes of Vincent Moloi, Khalo Matabane but the new breed is even more exciting and fired up, even the two examples given admit the energy and understanding of the medium is more refined.
Sabelo,
It seems you want to rewrite history ? You might hate the fact that whites historically came and conquered Africa – but that doesn’t change the fact. Just as some whites might hate the fact that an historical handover of power was negotiated peacefully. Tough. It still happened. Like it or not, our history is ours.
And who would not want the status of Africans to be improved ? We all want that.
However, if you only want black Africans to be improved, or believe that only black Africans deserve to have their history celebrated, then that becomes a racist attitude that must be condemned.
Peter Win
You know what Peter you obviously don’t know the starndard of living the African people find themselves in and you don’t give a damn so I don’t take your views seriously.
White South Africa is re-writing history every day, Joe Dogg made a cartoon claiming we were killing white people in 96′(Published overseas), Stormfront has a website dedicated to White Holocaust?? Who is rewriting the history here.
Really now Peter, i don’t mind being seen as racist by you because you don’t understand the meaning of the term anyway.
Sabelo,
I do know the standard of living of rich and poor in SA – as much as Tokyo does anyway – and it’s a sad indictment of Africa that it gets far worse the further north you go – or does that point escape you ?
I cannot change the past with its many wrongs. I focus on a new future for SA where the poor (of all races) are not as marginalised as they are now.
And the way to do that is not to focus on hatred – but on delivery. In particular, to hold Government up to the microscope to ensure they’re not just taking advantage for themselves.
Incidentally, I’ve (by your assessment) lived a life of “white privilege” for many years during which I’ve worked darn hard. The bank still owns my house. Compare that with Comrade Sexwale and Ramaphosa who, with their socialist ideals are mega millionaires. Good luck to them from my perspective – they’re obviously far better businessmen than I’ll ever be, but it is ironic.
My point is that history is history: ours is an exotic and a warrior country – black and white. It’s the intersection of great nations and the tides of history. It’s history to be embraced – not rewritten to favour one side or the other. To write (black or white) colonialism out of SA history is crazy: colonialism created SA.
Peter Win,
Your explanation to Sabelo is spot on .It would be interesting to see if he acknowledges it or if he is so consumed by his hatred that he refused to give due where it is deserved.
Well Peter, have you seen the news lately :
I quote – This is the first time a white South African has been granted refugee status in Canada claiming persecution from black South Africans, the newspaper said.
Brandon Huntley, 31, presented “clear and convincing proof of the state’s inability or unwillingness to protect him”, the Canadian immigration and refugee board panel ruled last Thursday.
“I find that the claimant would stand out like a ‘sore thumb’ due to his colour in any part of the country,” tribunal panel chair William Davis said.
Ha ha ok now S.P has diagnosed me with hate, I bet everything I say will be dismissed as hate.
Well I don’t see why we have to always nurse ‘white’ South Africans into seeing the reality if they are not interested in it. However there will be a lot of Spike Lees coming from the new generation and the movie STILL MY HOME is just the first instalment(www.halaqah.com/stillmyhome)!
Let the Lions tell their tales and shame the hunter who has claimed victory prematurely!
Sabelo,
I note you evaded the points I made. If you’re interested in dialogue – then you should answer. I’m happy to learn from you too.
However : if you’re only interested in getting your point across – then you’re displaying the same mentality that Verwoerd did: “I’m right and the rest of the world is wrong.”
As for reality: compare the amount of crime and the amount of corruption and the accountability of government (especially local)now and before the ANC took power.
Who had a better track record – and why ?
@ Peter
Do you really mean to tll me that the soldiers attacking night vigils in the night to create ‘black on black violence is not corruption’
Do you really mean to tell me that arresting someone for 34 days without trial and visitation rights is not trial,
Do you really mean to tell me that arresting an artists for writing a song is freedom to you
Do you really mean to tell me that shooting school kids with live ammunition is sane and right before your eyes?
Do you believe the ANC and NP are comparable??
I don’t see any points in your post but the same white arrogance I said keeps white South Africa demanding special treatment only for themselves, that is not a debate am gonna waste my energy on. Between Caster Semenya, Brendon Huntley, Skhumbuzo Mhlongo and District 9 I have concluded that white South Africa refuses to let go of their view of superiority and I decide to let it be, my dialogue will be to those who accept the African as a human being. I am tired of liberals trying to defend the superiority of their thoughts by pretending they have cross-race dialogue.
The need for AFRICAN FILMMAKERS TO RESTORE THE AFRICAN DIGNITY JUST BEEN DEALT A BLOW BY DISTRICT 9 AND AM NOT SUPRISED THAT SOUTH AFRICAN LOVE IT SO MUCH COS ITS A RACIST JOKE LIKE THE ONES THEY TELL ON OUR BACK.
Sabelo,
As it happens yes – those issues are not corruption: they are criminal !
Just as criminal as supporting an illegitimate regime like Zimbabwe’s. Or have you forgotten the 5th Brigade ?
Do you mean to tell me that Magoo’s Bar is also right and just ???
Nothing can ever justify apartheid. But there’s an incredible amount of black racism on these pages – and people demanding privileges they haven’t earned – and I call that corruption.
So yes – I do see the ANC and NP as comparable – and I can give you many examples. For one thing, the first thing the Nats did when they got into power was jobs for mates (state sector, army etc.) Guess what the ANC has done…
Do you believe that – for example – waBenzi clubs are not a sign of corruption ? Or poor service delivery by Mayors ? Look at the state of water supplies in the Eastern Cape for heaven’s sake !
I’m not interested in your “cross-race” dialogue ! I’m interested in South Africans pulling together to get rid of this “entitlement” mentality.
Incidentally, I’ve heard jokes against Irishmen,Swedes, Brits, Afrikaners, whites, blacks, Jews, Catholics, Arabs, Asians… Are you saying only the jokes against blacks are racist ???
Get a life…
You misunderstand Chris. The article does not say whites are foreigners in South Africa but that they are foreigners to the condition of the black, the experience of the black man. There is no racism there, its a fact of life.
to this day I have never seen a black man who operates on the idea of entitlement, it is a perception white people create to feed their guilty consicence about being priviledged at the expense of a whole nation, side issue. The thing is people like Peter take their frustrations on all progressive black structures because, as one filmmaker told me, ‘we have no place in South Africa’ – well its your fault that you pulled awya for 16 years when black people said Lets build, now you feel left out you are also seeing corruption from a distance and the question is , whata r U doing to make this country better! Whats your role in the building of this country. You tell me to get a life, I got a life and I gave it to the people of KwaMashu and they appreciate it, so spare me the sceams from your enclosed residentia.
The point the article makes is valid, we need African filmmakers to help shape the image of the African, we need driven and sturbbon directors amongst us to push forward in the direction that Spike Lee has shown. South Africa can learn a lot from him. If you are seeing so much corruption Peter what are you doing to fight it?? Learn that kingdoms rise and fall and the white kingdom in the Southern Africa is falling, FAST!
Sabelo,
You really miss the point !
It’s not about a “white kingdom”. There is no such thing and never has been.
It’s about individuals making a difference.
You might be hooked onto driving up black African capability – great – go for it !
But if you want to create your own form of “self-determination” – then quite frankly that’s just another form of apartheid.
To put it simply in racial terms : the blacks are in the majority – fine. But those in power have a moral duty to care for all their people of all shades. And to do so without corruption or waste.
And I see corruption all the time – through “jobs for mates”…
What nonsense calling the upliftment of a people apartheid. Do you even understand what apartheid is now? How old are you kanti!
You are the ones believing that we are incapable of making this country great, you are the one crying jobs for pals! How are we going to stop your so called jobs for pals without building peoples belief and esteem and self love so they don’t put their future on the ‘pals’ ability to provide with a job.
What part of this argument makes you fail to see that the problems of this country reflect the way ‘black’ people feel about themselves and their country. If you had enough smarts you will know that people with pride don’t beg, steal or complain. How does creating these people amount to apartheid. Apartheid saw uneducated people run companies, people get jailed for righting a song, REALLY HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW OF APARTHEID wena kanti???
And I see corruption all the time – through “jobs for mates”…
What is on a mans mind is what he will see!
Sabelo,
I lived through those times.
Uneducated people don’t run companies – unless they are parastatals – so stop talking nonsense.
And if you think I don’t understand that the lack of a social security net and lack of education are at the root of these evils, then you’re wrong.
But perhaps you’ve forgotten “freedom before education” and “pass one, pass all” ?
Stop focusing on history and focus on delivery – for all…
Freeodm before education meant we will decide what goes into our education and not teach our children to praise Queen Victoria and Paul Kruger, you can’t call it education when it is chosen and crafted by your oppressor who believes teaching you maths is a waste of time.
Keep your focus on ‘delivery’ I’ll keep my focus on people making their own contribution, as did Spike Lee and we will see who blames the government more and who rolls up their sleeves and get to work, THE SPIKE LEE WAY!
And let’s see who is going to close his eyes to issues like the 26.7% increase that the Eskom CEO gets for ruining the infrastructure…
Yeah, right, then what does someone do when a racist and/or jealous nation like Australia or England begin to our African athletes–even going to an extent of accusing some of us of/for being boys while they are, in fact, girls. ##
HAHAHAHAHAHA…..how does your foot taste, Siphiwo Siphiwo? LOL…idiot!
Yeah well this is one of the double standard/racist viewpoints in SA that makes people sick!