So we have another royal wedding to look forward to. Yawn.
Pardon the excitement.
In the UK it’s a big deal, of course.
Brits are going gaga for Prince Harry and American actress Meghan Markle, who publicly announced their engagement this week.
But that’s not the only reason why mense are going bos.
Apparently, it’s also big news because lovely Meghan is “mixed-race”, “bruin”, “kallit”, call her what you like.
You see, the Hollywood star’s taanie happens to be African-American and her toppie is wit.
Now, there are those traditionalists who believe this means she is not duchess material, not royal enough.
Of course there are also racist trolls who like nothing more than to diss bruin mense.
Mixed-race couples is hardly newsworthy in South Africa. Been there, done that.
But recently there’s been talk about a phenomenon called “marrying up”.
It’s supposedly when coloured or black people take white partners.
Local celebrities, in particular, have been the target of these skinner praatjies.
FAMOUS: JP and wife Sue Duminy
Names like Bryan Habana, Siya Kolisi, JP Duminy, Emo Adams and Pam Andrews are a few that have come up in
conversation.
From what Munier has heard, most of the comments have come from coloured and black women.
Remarks like: “Ja, now that they’re famous, they’re too good for us.”
They make it sound as if white women are status symbols, trophy wives of sorts.
Naturally, there must also be references to the skin colour of babies, whether their hair will be kroes of styl, and what-not.
Now, what Munier is about to say may offend some.
He reckons these skinnerbekke are just projecting their own insecurities - about race, skin, hair, physique, social status or whatever - on other people.
It sounds like a classic case of jealousy makes you nasty.
Honestly, instead of criticising mixed-race couples, why not celebrate them?
TALKED ABOUT: Siya and wife Rachel
Remember, not too long ago, under the Immorality Act, these unions were illegal in South Africa.
During apartheid, different racial groups were forced to live apart, there was very little mixing; people of different
cultures were forbidden fruit.
Now we are free to be with whomever we please, and experience other people’s cultures, languages, religions, customs, cuisine and arts.
Munier himself is married to a foreigner - it’s a whole new fascinating world to explore.
Call it “variety is the spice of life”, “opposites attract” or “jungle fever”.
This type of relationship might not be for you.
Maybe you’re a “lovebirds of a feather flock together” kind of person, and bond better with those who you have lots in
common with.
The choice is yours. We are all free to choose who we want to be with.
Love is a beautiful thing.
Please don’t spoil it for others.