After doing a little stroll around the popular Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, Johannesburg, a woman then decided to pull a Full Monty, going all close-up and personal while she caressed the statue of South Africa’s former president.
Considering the passing of Madiba and South Africa celebrating its 20 years as a democracy, it is almost unbelievable to read statements by TimeLive saying that ‘many called her actions distasteful and commented on whether her body was good enough to be shown in public.’
Sounds like a opinion of Page 3 hopefuls.
Khotso Tladi, a chef at Baglios, quotes:
She didn’t have a nice body, everything was saggy and she had hair. Afroman was better.
With Nelson Mandela Day being only two weeks ago on the 18th of July, this really is a time to reflect and remember all that he stood for and the positive changes he made. Here’s a little thought of our own.
South Africa in 2014 is a year that will be remembered for decades to come. A year of celebration, of loss, and of positive change. A year the Mother City – and the first city in Africa – took the title of World Design Capital 2014, while the entire country celebrates 20 years in a democracy. While the entire world – in solitude and in global gatherings of thousands – mourned over the passing Madiba. But ultimately we celebrate his legacy by keeping his message and his character alive in all we do. A message about freedom, of acceptance, of having the tenacity to express with conviction… This woman shows all of that, why she did it? Well, we’re busy finding out. Stay posted.
Give us your own opinion on this ‘performance’ in the comment box below.
6 comments
EllaBellaBleu says:
Jul 30, 2014
Body shaming of Black women is a recurring and sad theme. I am surprised that what her body looks like is what people took out of this situation.
I just need to know why she did it.
carmen says:
Jul 30, 2014
Beautiful
timmy says:
Jul 30, 2014
Seriously. One chop said she didn’t have a nice body and you (OSS) have to make the whole thing all about her looks. It’s your fault for choosing to quote him and not someone else. You could have ignored the guy that mentioned her looks, but noooooooooo. Idiots.
Otherwise, I think her body is perfect. I just think what she did was silly. And don’t come at me with ‘it’s art’ or ‘expression’. The statue in itself is art, and she could have sang a song or painted a picture.
one small seed says:
Jul 30, 2014
Thanks for you comment, the reason we quoted him, and the previous comment stating that ‘many called her actions distasteful and commented on whether her body was good enough to be shown in public’ was in no way to make this about looks. It was to point out how how her body looks has absolutely nothing to do with this at all.
The way in which it has been made about her looks lacks integrity and just ridiculous in light of the situation. We highlighted the comments that were made along these lines – not because we want it to be the focus – but because this is a mindset of many, and one that should be explored. It’s a dialogue that can cultivate conversation, which can lead to broadening perceptions, breaking down ideologies and stripping apart stereotypes. So with that as our incentive, I really do not see us as the idiots.
We all have our own opinions though, and it’s good to have some feedback!
Lowflyingdaisy says:
Jul 30, 2014
I think the picture of her resting her forehead against the statue is beautiful and quite haunting.
Verbalina says:
Aug 4, 2014
I agree…it has to be one of the most moving photos I have ever seen.