Resources - Get Mad/Glad

The recent tragic death of five children has stirred up outrage in many South Africans, including children, who have been protesting outside the Soweto magistrate’s court.  Many of the images of children ‘baying for Jub Jub’s blood’ have escaped comment, other than to note that there have been threats to his life.  In contrast, the Sowetan included an editorial on Friday (12/03/2010, p. 18) on children threatening violence against Jub Jub.

Many people in South Africa, no doubt feel frustrated in the face of crime and lawlessness, and protests are a good expression of that frustration.  But considering the levels of vigilantism in our country, threats of violence should not be encouraged.  This is the point made in the editorial, which says “[t]he alacrity with which these children promise murder must also send a message about the society we have become. Any right-thinking person would be concerned that our teenagers feel nothing about displaying placards that associate them with a vile and criminal act”.

Media Monitoring Africa supports the view taken by Sowetan and appreciates this comment amongst the various images that capitalized on the anger of the children without analysing it.

- Sandra Roberts