2004 Volume 4
Women Are Precious
By Peter Moss
Women throughout South Africa have celebrated Women’s Day. Many have decried the lack of advancement of women in society and others have highlighted the slave mentality and subjugation of women.
One notable fact of the release of slaves is that while freedom is gained, slaves still cling to the notion that the master must protect them when danger is faced, since they have forgotten, or never learned, how to protect themselves.
With freedom comes responsibility and that responsibility must extend to responsibility for one’s actions and survival. Despite all efforts of government and organisations, the reality is that the bully, the strong and the gang still hold power over the weak, the mild and those unwilling to sway the balance with whatever means are available to them.
Contrary to popular myth, no government can offer protection to the victim other than the hope of punishment of perpetrators after the crime. This is scant protection indeed when murder or rape befall the victim. Women must learn to take responsibility for their survival and freedom. The master or government can offer no protection at all. Each and everyone, like the rest of society, must face the bully, the strong and the gang and defend their own rights and freedoms. Governments have no hope of ever protecting the victim before, during or after the act. Legal punishment if the perpetrator is caught is all that is offered, and if government is efficient - some degree of certainty of punishment. South Africa’s violent criminals enjoy a 92% chance of not being convicted.
South Africa has a government that, from all appearances, is soft on crime. Criminal rights fill the constitution, with added legislation hindering defence of life, rights and property. The police are hampered in every way by under-funding, being untrained and under-resourced, and filled with illiterate, corrupt and incompetent staff. Vital funds are squandered stupidly and on political agendas. The criminal justice system and correctional services do no better, and a life of crime is a viable choice for many. Citizens are deprived of firearm ownership through petty requirements, bureaucracy and prohibitive cost and therefore, for the criminal, small risk of facing an armed victim, or of capture and punishment - all the reward any criminal could ask of government.
While government looks on and wrings its hands in false sympathy for victims, women should note that nothing pleases government more than being asked to resolve a problem - even one they have no power to resolve. To governments, their desire for power and control are more important than the lives of citizens. More laws, less freedom and removal of the ability of self-defence continue the desire of freed slaves for the master to offer protection and continue the myth. Governments are only too willing to take on the mantle of the new master and increase their power over the people.
Crime, like rape in the back-streets, behind closed doors or in the bush takes place in the domain of the perpetrator. Only the victim and those nearby can render any defence in such a situation. Government or government agencies are never available at the time or place of the crime, nor are they encumbered by a duty to protect. Government should ensure that victims and those rendering assistance have the right and means to defend themselves against crime, the bully and the strong that seek power over people through fear and intimidation. Government cannot prevent the rape of a baby; only those in proximity are in a position to render help. Should women stand by helpless, phone the police, or reach for a copy of SA law while they watch their child being raped? This is exactly what is required of slaves who place faith in the master’s ability to protect.
False is the belief that if we take fire from people they will not burn themselves, water so they may not drown or guns so they may feel safe. Gun control disarms only those not inclined to crime. Why should anyone who is willing to rape, rob or murder take the slightest notice of laws forbidding the possession or carrying of arms?
Women in particular being physically smaller and more vulnerable should defend this right of self-defence instead of looking to the master for protection, or supporting gun control - because until women accept responsibility for their freedom they will never be free. Seeking to convince others that they too must only look to the master to protect them is not the way to freedom - but a return to slavery. Women must rejoice in their rights and demand the ability to defend themselves with the best means possible, or the remnants of slavery will never end.