Imbokodo

The name “Imbokodo” is an isiZulu word that means “rock” and comes from a popular African proverb which says, “Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo!” (“You Strike the Women, You Strike the Rock!”).

I dislike how society has put certain groups of people in a position where they feel like they must qualify themselves. I understand that on their end it is probably an attempt at self-love and is probably a net positive, but I do not like the fact that they are in a position where they must do that. I saw a post on Twitter by a young black woman and the caption was about what a blessing her dark skin was. It was also not my first time seeing a post like that. The fact that she has to tell us (and herself) that, because we as society told her skin wasn’t right fills me with anger; anger that’s only surpassed by my shame because I played a role in it too at some point. 

This qualifying of your value and humanity is something that I see with oppressed groups such as people of colour, women, and members of the LGBTQI+ community. It is most common among women who are members of these groups because patriarchy insulates men, all men I believe, from criticism no matter what denomination they subscribe to. It may not protect you fully, but it makes life a bit easier. It does not seem like women get to just exist. If they are not queens or rock stars, they are “imbokodo”. These are titles that claim to empower but are instead a burden. As a man, I get to exist. I have never felt the need to qualify myself because patriarchy acts like a bulletproof vest against the world. Women don't get this luxury. 
The language used is the language we use to justify the hardships they have to endure. It is the language used to humanise unnecessary suffering by elevating them with meaningless words while not following up those words with actions. I call them empty calories. If we convince them, and ourselves, that they are unbreakable queens; they are far more likely to be accepting of exploitation. Almost everyone who has been called a hero is someone who has needlessly suffered and given more of themselves than they should have had to. No one should have to be a hero. 

If you convince people that God gives his toughest battles to his strongest warriors, they will think that their suffering is justified and there is some honour in it. There isn’t.  

Comments

  1. UnknownJune 28, 2020 at 9:20 PM

    This is such an eye opener.
    I feel that a lot more people really need to hear this.
    So very good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sibusiso SpondoJune 28, 2020 at 9:47 PM

      Thank you, it took me a while to properly articulate this so I'm happy to hear that I did a decent job.

      Delete
  2. UnknownJune 29, 2020 at 10:36 PM

    Short, to the point and articulated well, well done👏🏾

    ReplyDelete

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