The Spear of controversy.

"Wow! Okay. Sjoe. Hectic. Mmm.....not sure if that's right." It was pretty much in that order that my mind reacted to Zuma's painting by Brett Murray. At first I was shocked that someone actually did it. Then I realized that someone had actually done it. And then I was left wondering if someone should have actually done it? 


Gareth Cliff has said "If you don't have an appreciation for art, you have no business claiming it offends you. Just because something is in bad taste does not mean you can ban or censor it. Especially if you're just some politician." 
It's just that, I wonder if Gareth would say the same thing if Brett painted his penis for the whole world to see? Or what if it was Gareth's dad or mom?? Would he be so damning on the people who are offended?? 


I wonder what action would be taken if Barak Obama was painted in the same way? Or Margret Thatcher mind you?? Would those countries' authorities leave it and write it off as freedom of speech or would they have the painting removed and destroyed??


I'm not sure the answer to the above, and not sure how our politicians are going to work all this out, but I have am forced to consider the following thoughts:


Firstly, I, like all South Africans, know the shenanigans that Mr Zuma has been involved in. Most of which are unacceptable for the head of any state. Still not sure if a country like USA, Australia or even Mongolia would have elected a man who was linked to charges of rape and corruption. We all have our own feelings towards the current SA president. BUT!!! And this is a BIG BUT...! BUT, the man's private parts have been interpreted, painted and have been put on display for the entire world to see. Without his consent. Guys....WITHOUT....his consent. Is that fair? Is that right? As a human being, are not his human rights even considered here? 


Secondly, this isn't just any man. This is JACOB ZUMA, the President of South Africa. Yes, yes, he has done a lot wrong and many of his moral practices are questionable.  Yes, we've heard that in the press! But surely, there is a certain amount of respect that the office of the president of a country holds?? The position alone needs to be respected. He's the president of our country for goodness sakes??!! There must surely be a level of respect that one gives to the man that holds that office; one which certainly doesn't allow a graphic nudist painting to be hung up and dislayed for the world to see....WITHOUT his consent?!


In my opinion, and this is just my opinion, I think the whole freedom of speech argument is a bit lame for this one. It was stretched by Jonathan Shapiro a few years back (The raping of Lady Justice drawing). It's been broken by Brett Murray. Does my freedom of speech allow me to paint a picture of you with your penis hanging out and post it on Facebook?? Why should it allow an artist to do that with someone else? Even if he is Jacob Zuma...