Absence of street fury in Zimbabwe puzzles analysts

Suspiciously delayed poll results, army trucks fanning out through villages, police ransacking opposition party offices, and reports of torched huts and broken-limbed civilians - such has been the ugly face of ...

[Thapelo]

I'm impressed. The cliches although blatant as they are, are in fact true in my opinion. We Zimbabweans are the Canadians of Africa. Also, We are more English than the English. Amazing! Need I say more.

Another reason why Zimbabweans do not riot is that disobedience is severely punished from a young age. From my experience as a boarding schoolboy, you break the rules while in boarding school, you get expelled. That brings shame not only to your parents but the community. Notice I didn't say it brings shame to yourself.

My own parents actively dissuaded me from forming a student union at my boarding school. We had terrible food and a number of grievances. We have Prefects who are chosen by school administrators whom I was supposed to tell my issues to so that they would take it to the headmaster.

From a young age we are taught to take it up with the proper authorities and let the systems in place work. What other options did we have? Organise a strike at a boarding school 200km from home and be expelled. Busses into town only come to school twice a week and the 200km journey on dirt roads takes 6 hours.

[hurricane]

Just goes to prove what I've always said: In Black Africa, blacks on their own might not be prefectly content with their brutal, ruthless, destructive and barbarian chiefs,- but they are sure perfectly WILLING to bow down, out of fear, and they accept and live with the kind of murderous black regime they so frequently get, like Mugabe's, Idi Amin's, Mobutu's, etc, and further back in history Chaka's, the cruel Ugandan despots, etc.

It took the white man and colonialism to get rid of their despots FOR them, and introduce them to the kind of far more benevolent, Christian, efficient, humanitarian rule European civiliation had developed. Once the whites got tired and pulled out, Black Africa just reverted to what it had been before: Rule by the strongest, most brutal, most incompetent despot. And their people just accept it, out of fear, with the only difference to before being the possibility to run off to white-ruled states, which Thapelo has done, and which so many of them would like to do. Because they have tasted the white man's rule,- and they've seen how much better it is......

Can you now understand why we are so disgusted with idiots who rant and rail against the role of the whites in Africa???????

[Thapelo]

I take offense to anyone who suggests that colonialists had benevolent intentions for Africans. It's not a black or white thing why Zimbabweans are not fighting back. It's a matter of practicality and necessity. I believe if a mass uprising were to happen in Zimbabwe a lot of people would die unnecessarily. And it would happen continuously. For example Palestinians throwing stones at the Israeli army, has that driven Israel out? No. Palestinians need help too that's why this thing in Zimbabwe is dragging on. Zimbabweans don't need a civil war. We'd be on the streets forever.

Canada is not white-ruled. And yes, we accept Mugabe's rule out of fear For Our Lives. Martyrdom is not a likable attribute in Zimbabwe. I left the country for fear for my life and security. I would have gone to South-Africa but a lot of South-Africans are xenophobes and the crime and security situation is unbearable. It was a matter of where I'd be safe until such time as it is safe to return home to rebuild the country.

There is no role for white colonialists in Africa or any other benevolent colonialist. Every human of every ethnic background is welcome in Africa. Just not colonialist sympathisers.

[African4]

I think there is no role for black in America. You're such a twisted hypocrite.

The violence in Zim will start once the weapons gets delivered.

Why is it that blacks are unable to rule themselves.
Are they just to dense or greedy, what is it???

Maybe they are cursed by God???

[Penney]

"Analysts" are puzzled by no riots in the streets when you report "Mugabe's security forces were intensifying violent attacks on opposition voters in remote areas" and Mugabe forces are jailing or killing the opposition? Gee, I wonder why the people aren't demonstrating. Could it be that they don't want to be jailed, shot or macheted? Are these the same "analysts" who mis-analyze everything else in the world that they "analyze?"

[African4]

The calm before the storm. Mugabe is waiting for his guns, as his forces don't want to club people, they want to shoot them.

[Sixpence]

Penney wrote:

"Analysts" are puzzled by no riots in the streets when you report "Mugabe's security forces were intensifying violent attacks on opposition voters in remote areas" and Mugabe forces are jailing or killing the opposition? Gee, I wonder why the people aren't demonstrating. Could it be that they don't want to be jailed, shot or macheted? Are these the same "analysts" who mis-analyze everything else in the world that they "analyze?"

You got it in one.

[Sixpence]

Thapelo wrote:

I take offense to anyone who suggests that colonialists had benevolent intentions for Africans. It's not a black or white thing why Zimbabweans are not fighting back. It's a matter of practicality and necessity. I believe if a mass uprising were to happen in Zimbabwe a lot of people would die unnecessarily. And it would happen continuously. For example Palestinians throwing stones at the Israeli army, has that driven Israel out? No. Palestinians need help too that's why this thing in Zimbabwe is dragging on. Zimbabweans don't need a civil war. We'd be on the streets forever.
Canada is not white-ruled. And yes, we accept Mugabe's rule out of fear For Our Lives. Martyrdom is not a likable attribute in Zimbabwe. I left the country for fear for my life and security. I would have gone to South-Africa but a lot of South-Africans are xenophobes and the crime and security situation is unbearable. It was a matter of where I'd be safe until such time as it is safe to return home to rebuild the country.
There is no role for white colonialists in Africa or any other benevolent colonialist. Every human of every ethnic background is welcome in Africa. Just not colonialist sympathisers.

Thapelo dont talk about "colonialists". There have been no colonialists in Africa or Zimbabwe since the 1960s when they left.(Smith was a dictator, not a colonialist). Talking about "colonialists" is Mugabe speak and a red herring.

[African4]

Fear is a powerful tool and Mugabe is a pro.

[James B]

One of the BEST things that has come out of Africa since Mugabe lost the election was the refusal of the South African dockworkers to allow the Chinese ship carrying arms to dock and unload. The added refusal of surrounding countries to accept the arms for Zimbabwe should show the world how far they have come.

There is no doubt that colonialism brutalized the African continent. That is a true statement. Unfortunately, far too many "liberation groups" have turned out to be nothing more than gangs of thugs, only interested in lining their pockets and holding onto power by any means necessary. Britain cannot be held responsible all the time for the ills of their former colonial holdings.

Was it right when a white minority ruled a black majority country called Rhodesia? Probably not, but I think it is safe to say that all the problems under that government pale in comparison to what Mugabe and his cronies have done to Zimbabwe.

"The Breadbasket of Africa"?

Tragically, no longer....

[hurricane]

Thapelo wrote:

I take offense to anyone who suggests that colonialists had benevolent intentions for Africans. It's not a black or white thing why Zimbabweans are not fighting back. It's a matter of practicality and necessity. I believe if a mass uprising were to happen in Zimbabwe a lot of people would die unnecessarily. And it would happen continuously. For example Palestinians throwing stones at the Israeli army, has that driven Israel out? No. Palestinians need help too that's why this thing in Zimbabwe is dragging on. Zimbabweans don't need a civil war. We'd be on the streets forever.
Canada is not white-ruled. And yes, we accept Mugabe's rule out of fear For Our Lives. Martyrdom is not a likable attribute in Zimbabwe. I left the country for fear for my life and security. I would have gone to South-Africa but a lot of South-Africans are xenophobes and the crime and security situation is unbearable. It was a matter of where I'd be safe until such time as it is safe to return home to rebuild the country.
There is no role for white colonialists in Africa or any other benevolent colonialist. Every human of every ethnic background is welcome in Africa. Just not colonialist sympathisers.

I know that. That's why Africa is now totally black, once again. And totally f.cked, once again. Like it was before the white colonialists first got here. And that's why blacks like you are running away from it. To white-ruled states like Canada. Wake up and smell the coffee, Thapelo.

[African4]

Thabelo won't see the truth if it bites him in the face.
There he sits in a safe white country spouting his wisdom about Africa.

[xxLeexx]

Penney wrote:

"Analysts" are puzzled by no riots in the streets when you report "Mugabe's security forces were intensifying violent attacks on opposition voters in remote areas" and Mugabe forces are jailing or killing the opposition? Gee, I wonder why the people aren't demonstrating. Could it be that they don't want to be jailed, shot or macheted? Are these the same "analysts" who mis-analyze everything else in the world that they "analyze?"

Spot on!

[Shandi]

I think what is so sad about this whole damn
election is that now because dear old Bob wants to
keep sitting in his palace in a country of ruins
the rest of the Regional Leaders are supporting a
run-off. Who in their right minds expect the people to vote for a third time (I say third time because this has all happened before in 2000) with all eyes watching ready to strike and attack again - while the world watches. I think it is unfair and unkind to expect them to do this. Would any of us trust that this time nothing will happen I think not - but as usual everything is in Mugabe's favour if they do not have a run off they have the idiot for another 5 - 8 years!!! OMG do not think anyone will be alive by that time. If they have
not been beaten to death they will have starved to
death!!!! I just cannot believe with all these
so called organisations who are mean't to protect the innocent step in when human rights are abused, political violence occurs etc etc - where the hell are they??????? They could all have written a best seller novel by now with all the data they have collected!!! It so sad and so shameful.

[Thapelo]

Sixpence wrote:

<quoted text>
Thapelo dont talk about "colonialists". There have been no colonialists in Africa or Zimbabwe since the 1960s when they left.(Smith was a dictator, not a colonialist). Talking about "colonialists" is Mugabe speak and a red herring.

Colonialist might have been the wrong word to use, I was trying to use something emotionally charged so that ppl like hurricane can understand. Extremists like hurricane do not understand the beauty of constructive dialogue. I also erred by using the same un-constructive jibber jabber that hurricane used.

[African4]

Thapelo wrote:

<quoted text>
Colonialist might have been the wrong word to use, I was trying to use something emotionally charged so that ppl like hurricane can understand. Extremists like hurricane do not understand the beauty of constructive dialogue. I also erred by using the same un-constructive jibber jabber that hurricane used.

What exactly was it that Hurricane said that you didn't agree with.

[Fear factor]

I resent your comparison with Canadiens. This is violet repression.People in Zimbabwe would like to go into the streets and claim my rights but thats not tolerated here. This is a police state.Fear, fear, fear.

How then do you explain the rebellions in the 60s?Even the food riots of the late 90s? Since then the govt has dealt with any form of decent harshly. The CIO, riot police etc. They have increased 10 times more in thier brutality.

There is fear in Zimbabwe. One in three people are informers.
Look at Cuba, they are under such reppression and the govt deals with any form of rebellion with a puzzling heavy handedness?

[Fear factor]

Shandi wrote:

I think what is so sad about this whole damn
election is that now because dear old Bob wants to
keep sitting in his palace in a country of ruins
the rest of the Regional Leaders are supporting a
run-off. Who in their right minds expect the people to vote for a third time (I say third time because this has all happened before in 2000) with all eyes watching ready to strike and attack again - while the world watches. I think it is unfair and unkind to expect them to do this. Would any of us trust that this time nothing will happen I think not - but as usual everything is in Mugabe's favour if they do not have a run off they have the idiot for another 5 - 8 years!!! OMG do not think anyone will be alive by that time. If they have
not been beaten to death they will have starved to
death!!!! I just cannot believe with all these
so called organisations who are mean't to protect the innocent step in when human rights are abused, political violence occurs etc etc - where the hell are they??????? They could all have written a best seller novel by now with all the data they have collected!!! It so sad and so shameful.

Yes its so sad.

Mugabe is said to have got 43%, Tsvangirayi got 47. Mugabe lost parliamentary majority. The other candidate he calls prostitute or frog has said he will back Tsvangirai. Mugabe is 84.

yet he wants to go for a run off.For those who have spent sometime in Zimbabwe know what this means and the world knows what this means-more violence-Zimbabweans will be beaten into Submission. I witnessed it in 1985 when Nkomo's people were beaten into voting for Zanu PF. The world ignored that because it did not affect the small white population. I didnt care that much then-not only because I was a kid but because that was the other tribe.

Those people who commited those atrocities are the ones who are in control of Mugabe today-the army commanders.

Where should people go to for help?can somebody hear me???
People will learn about the scale of Mugabe's brutallity when he dies.

[Mutasa]

James B wrote:

One of the BEST things that has come out of Africa since Mugabe lost the election was the refusal of the South African dockworkers to allow the Chinese ship carrying arms to dock and unload. The added refusal of surrounding countries to accept the arms for Zimbabwe should show the world how far they have come.
There is no doubt that colonialism brutalized the African continent. That is a true statement. Unfortunately, far too many "liberation groups" have turned out to be nothing more than gangs of thugs, only interested in lining their pockets and holding onto power by any means necessary. Britain cannot be held responsible all the time for the ills of their former colonial holdings.
Was it right when a white minority ruled a black majority country called Rhodesia? Probably not, but I think it is safe to say that all the problems under that government pale in comparison to what Mugabe and his cronies have done to Zimbabwe.
"The Breadbasket of Africa"?
Tragically, no longer....

That show of solidarity was amazing. it shows the distance between the politicians and the commoners.

Most political leaders in Africa suffer from a serious colonial mentality in someway and so do some blacks in the diaspora. I have moved around the United States and the Carribean Islands. Meet any blacks and they tell tou Mugabe is doing the right thing.

I think I have an idea. One day I will become a dictator.Kill my own people.When I loose support and the economy is down and I have no solution Then I will denounce the western world, remind people about colonialism and claim propery from innocent people. I love George Orwell.

[Naco]

Actually most of you here are talking unmitigated rubbish.I will make my points as brief as possible.

1.Taking to the streets in violence is not the solution.It has never been a solution.If Zimbabweans started a civil war you would grimace for a bit, then grin while relegated them to your dustbin of war-torn nations like DRC, Sudan etc.They are doing exactly the right thing and they aught to be commended..Fighting Mugabe through non-violence means.

2.Thapelo has it exactly right.Anyone who tries to justify colonialism or Smith's dictatorship is probably a white supremacist at worst, a closet racist at best.Thapelo was pointing out that singing the virtues of colonial abusers and dehumanisers has no place in this debate.Some of us who have studied the impact of both African dictators and their white colonialist predecessors know that neither party can claim the high moral ground.

3.Hurricane
I will quickly dismiss you a South African Boer who believes in the superiority of his own race.All this gives you a content smirk and serves only to prove how inferior Africans are.FYI, Africans are quite capable of running their own countries if given the chance and I won't even go into examples.

4.Zimbabweans are not taking up violence for various reasons, fear of Mugabe's reprisal,cultural peaceful disposition (I hear some confused coz they only understand Africans as a violent lot), intelligent knowledge that violence won't help much.