So it turns out that the piece I wrote last week about racism among (especially older) coloured people, was quite controversial.
As I often do, I continued the conversation on my Facebook wall, where it instantly drew broad commentary - both critical and positive.
Besides my open Facebook wall, dozens of people also got in touch via direct messaging, including the man who inadvertently sparked the conversation - John Fredericks, the author of Noem my Skollie.
He simply asked that I am not so quick to label him and that he has to apply certain metaphorical and/or stereotypical techniques to bring his characters to life.
That is a loaded statement, and that’s a conversation for another day.
And last week, Voice of the Cape radio ended up using my commentary as the foundation for a discussion on their breakfast show.
There was also a bit of a furore over the originality of my commentary, which I will categorically state was by no means masquerading as anything unique.
A few people pointed me to other writings along similar lines that have been made over the years. But of course, that is not the point.
The fact that mine sparked a debate means that I (and others) touched a raw nerve that doesn’t get addressed as often as it should.
And that is the point that is often ignored by those who choose to be critical.
Most of the time I am up for a lively robust debate on social and political matters.
But I tend to lose my patience rather quickly with those who play the man, instead of the ball.
Be that as it may, this is a topic that needs as much attention as possible, from as many influential people as possible.
I’m just glad to have been able to make some contribution.