Tuesday
11Sep2007
Commemorating another September 11 - Steve Biko
Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 21:23
(cross-posted to Jack & Jill Politics)
When I think of 9/11, I initially think of a birth, my own, then a death, that of South African freedom fighter Steve Biko, who was murdered by police on the 11th of September 1977. Some of you may remember his name from the movie, Cry Freedom, made based on his story.
A clip from the movie of a memorial celebrating Biko:
My mother raised me with her own Pan-Afrikan educational bent, and I've been thinking about her as well, since I recently lost a massive amount of data on a hard drive that included conversations with her (please backup your precious memories, people).
Today, the UK paper, The Independent, has done a lengthy article on Biko that's worth reading. It covers the circumstances of his death, his political beliefs, the pop-culturalization of his image a la Che Guevara and the impact he might have in South Africa today were he alive to criticize the ANC-led government.
Excerpt from the article:
As we combat our own disconnected leadership in a country attempting racial reconciliation, and as we are engaged in an occupation of another nation, no one better embodies the idea of "one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" as does Steve Biko.
When I think of 9/11, I initially think of a birth, my own, then a death, that of South African freedom fighter Steve Biko, who was murdered by police on the 11th of September 1977. Some of you may remember his name from the movie, Cry Freedom, made based on his story.
A clip from the movie of a memorial celebrating Biko:
My mother raised me with her own Pan-Afrikan educational bent, and I've been thinking about her as well, since I recently lost a massive amount of data on a hard drive that included conversations with her (please backup your precious memories, people).
Today, the UK paper, The Independent, has done a lengthy article on Biko that's worth reading. It covers the circumstances of his death, his political beliefs, the pop-culturalization of his image a la Che Guevara and the impact he might have in South Africa today were he alive to criticize the ANC-led government.
Excerpt from the article:
To an ANC government vulnerable to left-wing accusations that it has pursued rigidly orthodox capitalist economic policies that have not done enough for the masses, it is not an entirely comforting thought.
There is disenchantment among young South Africans, who see the country's leaders embroiled in scandal and a new black elite growing richer while most blacks find it harder and harder to keep up with inflation.
As we combat our own disconnected leadership in a country attempting racial reconciliation, and as we are engaged in an occupation of another nation, no one better embodies the idea of "one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" as does Steve Biko.
Technorati Tags: 911, apartheid, 911, puppy, September 11, south africa, steve biko
Reader Comments (5)
So "The" 9/11 is the third one you think of when someone mentions that date?
Second, sure. But that sounds like bullshit posturing.
No, Joe, "bullshit posturing" is what Rudy Giuliani does when he presents himself as the Mayor of Nine Eleven.
I see your point though (minus the bullshit part). Obviously I think of the attacks in the US as well, and depending on what warmongering news is on in the background, that may be the first one I consider.
My birthday IS first, and I remember in high school looking up my birthday in one of those "this day in history books" and seeing the death of Steve Biko on the same day. The connection between my life and his death has been strong in my mind for a while longer than "the" 9/11.
thanks for the comment!
I always liked the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNQuJm67OzE (regardless of Mr. Gabriel's wardrobe).
I remember the movie and of course Biko but looking at the video I had no idea Denzel Washington was the actor.
Hmm ... OK that sounds less bullshitty.
I didn't know who Steve Biko was until ATCQ's "Stir It Up" OHHLA Wikipedia.
I wish to wish all pregnant women of good mood, easy pregnancy and natural sorts! Good luck also are happy! Give birth easily and independently! Let not doctors give birth for you, and you! Also adjust itself on chest feeding of the kid! Read the necessary information! Be, lovely pregnant mums and expecting posterities of the daddy, are healthy and wise!