MySpace – The Coloured edition

Having worked in the current Industry for just on 10 years. I had an iteresting encounter with one of my peers. Now in my field of work. Coloureds are as scarce as dirt roads in the suburbs. You just dont find, see or hear of any Bruinou’s in the mainstream media environment. Unless they’re hiding very well.

The guy I was chatting to asked me why he had never seen or heard of me at any of the major Production houses in the greater Gauteng region. Believe me, I’ve been for an interview at practically everyone of them. My answer was swift and uncensored. Leaving my rather smug looking friend with a look of shock and embarassment on his face. I simply asked him if he’d ever seen a person of colour in any of the places he’d worked at. In positions higher than tea ladies, drivers and repair men. I asked him if he’d ever come across a coloured Visual Effects artist before. Silence ensued and I watched the proverbial tumbleweed roll across the floor. I had made my point. He stammered and then just said. “No”. Man I love being right. I was the one looking smug now. “Exactly”, I replied.

By then, someone else who had been eavesdropping on our rather intellectual conversation (LOL). Decided to save the day and face by making a smart but extremely dumb comment. This phrase had me reeling and as insulted as I was. I was almost used to hearing it.

“But you’re Indian right?” I almost could not contain my laughter. Picture if you will. Two guys looking like complete idiots. One Bruinou laughing his arse off. Which brings me to the title of my little ramble.

This remark was just the answer I needed. Are Coloureds so different to everyone else that no-one can envision us as being capable and empowered? As if the riducule and silly questions I have had to endure for 10 years wasn’t enough? “Did you do this work?…Is it your own?…Did you study?…Are you sure you’ve been doing this for that long?…” The list of silly comments are endless.

When will we as Coloureds have our own space? When will we be looked upon as “US” instead of someone else? Or some other race? Are we so insignificant? Or are others just so damn blind?

When will I have My(coloured)Space come to fruition?