Comments on: Is SA Rocks bullshit?

By: Leon [Visitor]

Leon [Visitor] — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 07:14:50 +0000

Hi Ian, I enjoyed this post when I saw it at SA Rocks. I mentioned it in this post:
http://bigblogdir.blogspot.com/2007/06/sa-blog-round-up-part-3.html

By: Anique van der Vlugt [Visitor]

Anique van der Vlugt [Visitor] — Fri, 25 May 2007 08:43:22 +0000

This made for a great read, very well-balanced debate *wink*

By: Mary [Visitor]

Mary [Visitor] — Wed, 23 May 2007 12:36:15 +0000

As above, it is wonderful to read something so well-balanced and clearly argued. Very few writers on the issue manage to translate emotion into sensible argument. And this article is highly sensible (I like, I like).

I am interested in the studies that show poor people are happier than middle class people? I’m not saying it isn’t true, but I would like to know how that kind of thing is measured. Middle class people certainly complain a lot. So if it’s based on the amount of complaining that goes on, I wouldn’t give it much credence:)

By: South Africa flights [Visitor]

South Africa flights [Visitor] — Mon, 21 May 2007 18:57:01 +0000

People tend towards extremes, but reality is prosaic. The truth is the only worthwhile religion.

By: Martin [Visitor]

Martin [Visitor] — Mon, 21 May 2007 18:43:40 +0000

Thanks from me too – wonderful to be reminded of the ‘beautiful specifics’ of life in SA.

By: Rouvanne [Visitor]

Rouvanne [Visitor] — Mon, 21 May 2007 16:39:19 +0000

Ja Ja! (as opposed to hear hear!) I have to agree - an awesome way of describing how a postive mentality gives you a postive outlook.

Yes, I'm proudly middle-class, but I can also proudly say that I have been able to help other people rise out of poverty, with the result that their children are now at university. That rocks!

So I agree with Nic, and fully support, an initiative like SA Rocks - we might get beaten down and dragged through the dirt by the reality of this countries situation, but sonner voortanne we can still grin, lift our middle-finger to the world and say, SA Rocks!

By: stii [Visitor]

stii [Visitor] — Mon, 21 May 2007 14:00:01 +0000

I’m dumbstruck. I cannot agree more with Nic. It is one of the best posts I’ve read in ages. Now go pat yourself on the back for a super piece of writing. Respect.

By: Walton [Visitor]

Walton [Visitor] — Mon, 21 May 2007 12:36:11 +0000

Nic

Why do you make the assumption that I 'flea' South Africa because things got too much for me?

I did nothing of the sort. I was very happy living in SA, happier than I am now. I will live there again. Despite my happiness, I was very critical of the wrong directions I saw us going is as a country.

I didn't 'flea' - I came overseas because my girlfriend was here. I'm not wealthy either - like most South Africans, I came over on a Working Holiday Visa and got a job in a pub.

Travelling is not 'flea'ing. And it doesn't negate my right to express my opinion.

By: Ewan [Visitor]

Ewan [Visitor] — Mon, 21 May 2007 10:17:41 +0000

Seconded – wow. What a wonderfully balanced and well written perspective.

By: Nic [Visitor]

Nic [Visitor] — Mon, 21 May 2007 09:03:48 +0000

Wow. That was one of the best posts that I have read in a very, very long time. I think you hit the nail on the head.I would love to publish this post on SA Rocks, if that is ok with you, please email me and let me know what you think!?

What impresses me most about this is that you have expressed precisely my mentality behind SA and SA Rocks. I am not blind, stupid or ignorant, I am not wealthy beyond my means, but I can stay positive and be positive and react positively when I hear bad things and read the news.

I also find it interesting to read Walton talk of the middle class and SA is great for the rich when he was wealthy enough to flea SA when things got too troubled for him.