Fridays here at lazygamer are all about sharing and discussing differing opinions, telling people their choices are wrong and that they’re idiots for thinking the way they do. Today is not a day for fighting. It’s a day for hugs.
Here’s something you may not know about me. I come from a mixed race background; my dad is a second generation Chinese South African, but my mom is a white South African. Back when I was born though, white folks weren’t allowed to give birth to kids that weren’t white. My mom had to be reclassified as “coloured” under that regime when I was born, giving up her right to vote and most of her rights as a citizen when she had me.
When I was a little laaitie, I wasn’t allowed in to the public swimming pools with my white friends, purely because of the jaundiced pigment in my skin and my slanty eyes.
‘94 changed all of that, and Madiba had a profound effect on my life and I’m a pretty sad human. But we’re not here to be sad or angry. We’re here to celebrate Madiba and the effect he’s had not just on our beautiful country, but on the world.
So today, instead of fighting, we hug. Ok?
Last Updated: December 6, 2013
Devourer of Small Bunnies
December 6, 2013 at 10:36
<3 We can all learn a little from each other today. My aunt had my little coloured niece in the '94. That wasnt possible prior without hate and bigotry and condemnation. I love the little snot and the opportunity that was given to her and many others thanks to one of the greatest humbling men I've ever had the pleasure to meet. #RIPNelsonMandela
Gavin Mannion
December 6, 2013 at 10:36
It’s absolutely incredible to think that people used to be judged purely on the colour of their skin and that someone who suffered more than most could come through it and heal the country
RinceGivesRspectsToMadiba
December 6, 2013 at 10:58
Agreed, rather than whether they like CoD. We have grown Trolol! 😉
HvR
December 6, 2013 at 11:27
Sadly people are still judged and confined to a certain life purely based on the colour of their skin, religion and sexual orientation in South Africa.
A lot of people (especially those in and with power) should also hang their heads in shame for halting and some cases even reversing the Great Man’s legacy.
But before this gets too political RIP Madiba.
Also condolences to his children who lost their father; never easy.
Sir Rants remembers Madiba
December 6, 2013 at 11:45
It takes an ioncredible man to do that
Umar Seeker of Truth
December 6, 2013 at 10:39
I was lucky enough to be born while the Apartheid regime was in it’s final stages. My parents would often tell me stories of all the atrocious things that they had to go through. Being put in jail for no reason and being subjected to all sorts of bigotry just because of the color of their skin. I’m proud of this country, of who I am, of my religion. I’m proud to be free. I may not have been through the struggle, but I respect all those that fought for the land and rights we have today. Makes you ashamed to fight about consoles hey ….
ToshZA
December 6, 2013 at 11:11
Actually, I’m rather glad its only consoles we fight over. And whether or not CoD players are gamers. At least internet rage beats tear gas, prisons and violence.
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
December 6, 2013 at 11:13
Dude… It is not a party unless someone pulls out the teargas or flashbangs… adds to the AMbience
Umar Seeker of Truth
December 6, 2013 at 11:25
People used to fight over the basic rights of humans. Fighting over consoles just seems very insignificant in comparison
ToshZA
December 6, 2013 at 11:25
My point. Our problems now pale in comparison to 20 years ago. I’m grateful for that.
Umar Seeker of Truth
December 6, 2013 at 11:26
Yup so am I, I guess that’s the bright side of fighting over the fact that Sony is the best..I mean..wait… 😛
ToshZA
December 6, 2013 at 11:27
Wait, who’s Sony? 😉
eXpZA
December 6, 2013 at 10:39
RIP
Ultimo_Cleric N7
December 6, 2013 at 10:41
Hugs
TiMsTeR1033
December 6, 2013 at 10:42
*sigh*
Umar Seeker of Truth
December 6, 2013 at 10:43
sigh?
TiMsTeR1033
December 6, 2013 at 10:44
You wont understand… Plus I will get shot down like hell on earth.
Umar Seeker of Truth
December 6, 2013 at 10:46
Well *sigh* doesn’t help much too lol
Lego Witcher of the Squirrels
December 6, 2013 at 10:47
Helps more than you know actually 😛
TiMsTeR1033
December 6, 2013 at 10:47
I have freedom of speech.
Umar Seeker of Truth
December 6, 2013 at 10:48
We all do, not attacking you bro lol Just trying to understand 🙂
TiMsTeR1033
December 6, 2013 at 10:58
Too much sob as @df8e747e1a52cf31080926e9c2ddb845:disqus said.
Gavin Mannion
December 6, 2013 at 10:50
private website, so if you aren’t in a sharing mood rather practice your freedom to not post….
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
December 6, 2013 at 10:48
Feel ya brother… too much sob on a friday…some PPC pills required
Lego Witcher of the Squirrels
December 6, 2013 at 10:42
I’m married to my awesome Indian wife, who has an adopted black sister, but we all get together and respect each other for who and what we are.
It’s really fun walking through Balito with my wife and her sister… who is young enough to be our kid… the looks we get lol
’94 was a changing point in our country thanks to Madiba, bringing freedom to the oppressed and making school and our communities a much more interesting place.
TiMsTeR1033
December 6, 2013 at 10:43
Id pay to see that!
Lego Witcher of the Squirrels
December 6, 2013 at 10:51
It’s so epic man… and it’s EVERYONE that gives us looks, not just one colour of person.
RinceGivesRspectsToMadiba
December 6, 2013 at 11:00
I’d give you looks too, just because your fugly *RUNS
TiMsTeR1033
December 6, 2013 at 11:00
This coming from a ginger!
RinceGivesRspectsToMadiba
December 6, 2013 at 11:01
*A handsome, rugged legend of a ginger. Fixed it for you.
TiMsTeR1033
December 6, 2013 at 11:03
You are the Orlando Bloom of gingers?
Lego Witcher of the Squirrels
December 6, 2013 at 11:11
He’s more like the Russel Brand of gingers
RinceGivesRspectsToMadiba
December 6, 2013 at 11:23
Oi! More like Tim Minchin, no, wait what? 0-O
Lego Witcher of the Squirrels
December 6, 2013 at 11:32
Lol, I dunno if he’s better looking or worse looking than Russel Brand
RinceGivesRspectsToMadiba
December 6, 2013 at 11:35
He’s certainly more fucking intelligent!
Lego Witcher of the Squirrels
December 6, 2013 at 11:36
We’re not talking intelligence here lol
RinceGivesRspectsToMadiba
December 6, 2013 at 11:36
Oi! Just as well you don’t live in CT, you would be OFF the guest list for the 14th…
Lego Witcher of the Squirrels
December 6, 2013 at 11:42
OMW you remembered I’m not from CT!!!
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
December 6, 2013 at 11:57
Would not want a non Cape Townian ruining the party…
RinceGivesRspectsToMadiba
December 6, 2013 at 11:59
WHO ARE YOU!?
TiMsTeR1033
December 6, 2013 at 11:26
HAHAHA!
RinceGivesRspectsToMadiba
December 6, 2013 at 10:59
Preach it brother!
DarthofZA
December 6, 2013 at 11:44
My fiance is Indian, and I have 3 younger black brothers, 1 my mom adopted and 2 we just foster (and I’m white). We also get some really weird looks when we’re all together. 😀
Admiral Chief of Souls
December 6, 2013 at 10:44
Hug
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 6, 2013 at 10:51
Group hug.
MosselWasAlone
December 6, 2013 at 10:52
Dem Feels
Mike
December 6, 2013 at 10:53
Bro hug to all.
oVg
December 6, 2013 at 10:54
I want to see our bitch ass mother of all mountains trump all over the French tower tonight in Cape Town. No excuse.
Rikus
December 6, 2013 at 11:00
Respect to the French. That is an awesome tribute. Would love to see that in the Mother City.
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
December 6, 2013 at 11:19
Speaking of Mother City, gonna be there for work the next 2 weeks (during weeks), any awesome places for Beer?
oVg
December 6, 2013 at 11:25
http://newlandsbrewery.co.za/
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
December 6, 2013 at 11:27
YOU my errr Animal are a LEGEND…
oVg
December 6, 2013 at 11:51
Rikus
December 6, 2013 at 11:26
Sorry man, can’t help you there. I’m not a Capetonian. Maybe some of the locals can assist
Lego Witcher of the Squirrels
December 6, 2013 at 11:33
@disqus_CmSOeB7F9d:disqus and @rincethis:disqus are your best options for ideas for pubs, breweries or liquor stores
RinceGivesRspectsToMadiba
December 6, 2013 at 12:02
But we don’t drink!
George
December 6, 2013 at 11:35
Give Beerhouse a try.
http://www.beerhouse.co.za/
RinceGivesRspectsToMadiba
December 6, 2013 at 11:36
Awesome! I am planning a gamer get together on the 14th!
HvR
December 6, 2013 at 12:08
Banana Jam Cafe probably has the biggest selection at half decent price.
http://www.bananajamcafe.co.za
Then you can right to the source:
http://www.devilspeakbrewing.co.za
They have a restaurant on site, which has a good burger and they have limited and new beer on tap which you can only find there.
Otherwise nothing beats a normal cold brusky on Blue Peter’s lawn (or any other restaurant on the beach) or good wine on the hills of Stellenbosch or Somerset West in the evening.
matthurstrsa
December 9, 2013 at 13:09
Beerhouse on Long street (17 on tap, 99 bottled). Also CBC near Paarl has some pretty good beers, Devils Peak Tap Room in Obs and Wembley on Tap has 30 beers on tap, over 200 bottled. Haven’t been to Wembley (still need to get there), but the rest are great.
RinceGivesRspectsToMadiba
December 6, 2013 at 10:56
Well said Geoff. My ex-girlfriend’s parents are a mixed race. White and Indian, they had to leave the country and could only return when Mandela was released. Great great man.
James
December 6, 2013 at 10:56
Seriously enough with the Mandela dieing thing, we all know he did alot for the country but really now. This is a gaming site not News24. Too much Depressing crap all over news and radio. ENOUGH PEOPLE!
Umar Seeker of Truth
December 6, 2013 at 10:57
No……This is a South African Gaming Site………..What is wrong with remembering a Legend such as Madiba
RinceGivesRspectsToMadiba
December 6, 2013 at 11:01
This is a South African Gaming sit man. Show some respect.
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
December 6, 2013 at 11:07
I agree, this is an amazing SIT man 😉
Lego Witcher of the Squirrels
December 6, 2013 at 11:04
James, if you don’t like it the door is on the top right corner of your browser
TiMsTeR1033
December 6, 2013 at 11:07
No bloody respect!
Gavin Mannion
December 6, 2013 at 11:14
It’s a day of mourning.. May I suggest you take the rest of the week off?
ToshZA
December 6, 2013 at 11:24
It’s Friday Gav, he should be taking next week off.
Lourens Jordaan
December 6, 2013 at 11:19
You must remember that for some people he changed the world they live in. To others he’s just a nice famous guy. Be respectful and give the people time to grieve.
Milesh Bhana
December 6, 2013 at 11:35
they haven’t stopped reporting gaming news, so i see no issue here.
you could just skip this thread and go to the gaming news ones, if you’re seen enough on this topic…
JHN
December 6, 2013 at 11:38
Actually out of respect for the man i edit my original post. Rather read another article then instead of being disrespectful to the LG family who do care.
Devourer of Small Bunnies
December 6, 2013 at 11:58
Perhaps James, you should look at the position you are in, the friends you have, the freedom you have to state your disdain at the event. Theres been one man in this country, that is lifted higher than most, because a lot of the freedom you have to express today derives from the hard work, suffering and blood spilled that this wonderful man had to endure.
I respect your right to comment, but do so knowing that the freedom you have to do so, comes from the man you so wilfully disrespect. As well as the family here at LG you have disrespected. I hope you can find it within you to redact or delete your comment and let the rest of us mourn our hero.
James
December 6, 2013 at 13:08
The thing what many of you don’t understand is is. I understand he did great things for the future of South Africa. I have respect for Mandela and wish his family well, what I don’t respect is how people are making him out to be a God. If you knew Mandela well he was a simple man and did not enjoy being made a fuss of. What is this country now doing? We all knew his time was coming as he was ill for quite sometime. What upsets me is, people crying as if their own father died..
He was a great inspiration to many people as Ghandi was aswell, but people going as far as saying “He was the greatest human alive” is absolutely wrong. There are people that did far far more than he did and why are they forgotten? Why don’t they get a grand memorial, instead are just another person. We all are thankful for what Mandela did, as I have the freedom today, but remember he wouldn’t want this fame around him, he wouldn’t want to be remembered as some kind of God…
Rags
December 6, 2013 at 13:26
Only in your howling mind are people elevating him to a God. The rest of us are simply playing tribute to a man that probably had a profound effect on the destiny of us citizens. Don’t like it, go read some Ayn Rand book instead.
Devourer of Small Bunnies
December 6, 2013 at 13:30
I completely understand your point, I understand what Madiba’s point was. Just remember, we all have out own opinion and I believe we all have the right to express that, but keep in mind to respect each other in doing so. He was important to a lot of us, and my assumption was that isnt the case for you. I could be mistaken or correct but either way, let us have our one day to celebrate and remember.
eXpZA
December 6, 2013 at 13:14
You’re the worst person in the world.
MosselWasAlone
December 6, 2013 at 10:56
Dem feels
http://imgur.com/r/reactiongifs/SCelG
Devourer of Small Bunnies
December 6, 2013 at 12:19
Surprisingly accurate portrayal of my mood today, kudos sir!
Major Commodore 64 Darryn B
December 6, 2013 at 10:56
I met him when he was campaigning back before the 1994 elections. That man had a smile that could light up an entire room.
RinceGivesRspectsToMadiba
December 6, 2013 at 11:33
You are a very fortunate dude. Lucky.
Alex Hicks
December 6, 2013 at 11:03
I was born after Mandela had already served 12 years. I didn’t know who he was, except for the controlled state media’s opinion that he was a treasonous, dangerous terrorist. It fills me with profound sadness to remember the views on the playground at school that he was lucky to be serving time rather than being hanged, drawn and quartered.
When I was finally exposed to the man he was I was filled with nothing but admiration. After the storm that was Apartheid, the golden sky that was Mandela was blinding. He will be missed.
Brady miaau
December 6, 2013 at 11:24
I think I was blessed in that my parents were very, very liberal. My dad had business partners that were very much non-white, back in the 70’s. (not that I can remember that!).
It gave me a very different perspective growing
ToshZA
December 6, 2013 at 11:31
I too was fortunate enough to grow up without a racist family.
Brady miaau
December 6, 2013 at 11:34
I would not say not racist, certain things were built into most people born in the 1940’s, like my parents were.
But they had a broad outlook, which was awesome.
Hendrik
December 6, 2013 at 11:15
Thank you Geoff, and hug you very much 🙂
Kensei Seraph remembers Madiba
December 6, 2013 at 11:16
PEACE AND LOVE!
Tracy Benson
December 6, 2013 at 11:18
Hugs and love for everyone today.
Brady miaau
December 6, 2013 at 11:18
As a child,I played soccer for a club in the 80’s. I remember it being confusing, cause our team was totally mixed race. We could not play at certain times and stuff like that. It was a stark reminder that my life and the life of some of my team-mates, people who I respected, were profoundly different.
hugs all round (as long as I do not actually have to, you know, hug people physically)
Tidycpc
December 6, 2013 at 11:19
Hugs all around
JHN
December 6, 2013 at 11:39
Ive had the honor of meeting the man 3 times, he was an absolute legend.
Sir Rants remembers Madiba
December 6, 2013 at 11:46
Today I rant not. Today I simply hug.
Gavin Mannion
December 6, 2013 at 12:06
I will never forget when I was a small kid in Brits being refused service at the cafe because I couldn’t speak Afrikaans.. People sometimes forget how evil apartheid really was and how many people it hurt.
Mandela was the most amazing human being ever to walk this earth. We are worse off as a society without him.
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
December 6, 2013 at 12:21
You are a Soutie?
Gavin Mannion
December 6, 2013 at 13:42
Born in the UK :), lived here most of my life though
Brady miaau
December 6, 2013 at 12:33
I had long hair, was a soutie and dated a farm girl. I was so surprised at how her family embraced me. Entirely unexpected. Only the children could speak English, that type of farm community.
I am with you about the lack of Afrikaans thing. I can speak it, but growing up my accent always gave me away!
Hendrik
December 6, 2013 at 15:04
I don’t think the hatred towards the English has anything to do with apartheid. I think it has something to do with 26 000 women and children dying in concentration camps and the scorched earth policy. Sorry, do not want to confront you, i’m just saying.
CodeName Tailgunner
December 6, 2013 at 12:09
I was going to write a snidey comment on how I still wouldn’t allow Geoff in my pool, and that this has nothing to do with the color of his skin.
But then I saw the love in the forum.
So I didn’t
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
December 6, 2013 at 12:10
What a surreal day. I thought that I had mentally prepared myself for the eventuality of Madiba’s passing (especially since he had been ill for so long), but no matter how much you think it won’t affect you, it does.
I’ll gladly admit that I’ve grown extremely cynical over the years. I think it was just such a hard pill to swallow when the promises of a New South Africa and the possibilities were squandered by those who came after Madiba. As South Africans, we’ve experienced so much, and in many ways we sometimes see the world in a very narrow or even myopic way. Our personal experiences, prejudices or biases cloud what has happened to our fellow countrymen, and sometimes we struggle to identify with the realities of the past or the present. I know I’m guilty of this as well
That’s why I think we should take inspiration from Madiba. You don’t have to share his political ideology, but his ability to draw people in, to engage (meaningfully) with anyone regardless of colour, economic standing, creed or religion will be my fondest memory of one of Africa’s (no the World) greatest sons. I sometimes wonder where we would have been if it wasn’t for his reconciliatory spirit. South Africa in 2013 may not be perfect, but I grew up during the tail end of Apartheid, and while the PW Botha years may have been milder than those preceding it, the horrible truth is someone with my skin colour wouldn’t have had half the opportunities that I have today.
Rest in Peace Tata Madiba! A luta Continua. 🙁
GalacticLordCaptainAwesomeness
December 6, 2013 at 12:33
What we have to remember as well is, he was 95… 95!!
Damn, that is a long haul. I have been prepared for this since he hit 90…
As you said, he can rest peacefully now
That Tall Twit Norm
December 10, 2013 at 15:29
Getting to 95, Madiba gets the achievement of “Winning the Game of Life.”
Brenz
December 6, 2013 at 12:14
Hugs to all mah LG peeps.
Peace to everyone
Willem Swanepoel
December 6, 2013 at 13:14
I think it is amazing to know that even his enemies have respect for him.
I grew up in the time of the Apartheid and I listed to so many stories from my grandfather who didnt agree to the Apartheid’s decisions, he was poor and his best friend was black, he actually hated the English ;-)~
Anyway, I just find it so sad that the current ANC is spitting on his legacy with all the crap they are causing.
Everyone is showing respect today etc. but will they show the respect 3-4 months after his death ? Will people still respect his dream ?
To be honest, I do not think so …
Her Highness the Hipster
December 6, 2013 at 14:07
My heart feels so sore today – reaching out with love to everyone at LG and SA in general. I grew up in NYC, don’t have these same anecdotes of experiencing racism because I grew up in a multicultural dream – didn’t even understand that there WERE different races until i was a pretty old child. Madiba was an inspiration for grace and dignity, even before i understood the impact he had on South Africa. Today we mourn a legend and a national hero. Big hugs to all.
hairyknees
December 6, 2013 at 14:47
*HUGS*
Guest
December 6, 2013 at 15:24
Madiba’s passing affected me more than I thought it would.
I can’t really put it into words.
I’ll just leave this here 🙁
Brian Murphy
December 6, 2013 at 16:35
“So today, instead of fighting, we hug. Ok?”
Them’s fightin’ words!!!