Danny K defends 'not enough white people call out racism' tweet
Danny K caused a stir on social media after calling on white people to "stand firm and have courage" to call out racism.
South African singer Danny K is making headlines after sharing several tweets about racism in the country.
The 'I Can't Imagine' hitmaker said people can no longer keep quiet.
"Not enough white people call out racism when it rears its ugly head. Yes it may be uncomfortable and yes you may be the singular unpopular opinion, but stand firm and have COURAGE. We can no longer be silent," he wrote.
Not enough white people call out racism when it rears it ugly head. Yes it may be uncomfortable and yes you may be the singular unpopular opinion, but stand firm and have COURAGE. We can no longer be silent. #WorldsApartOrPartners @KabeloMabalane 🇿🇦
— Danny K (@dannykmusic) March 8, 2019
Danny K used the hashtag, 'Worlds Apart or Partners' - which is the name of his keynote and masterclass with singer Kabelo Mabalane, which discusses race issues in the country.
The 41-year-old says he is "totally bewildered with the lack of empathy shown by many white South Africans".
"You don't need to be woke to get that for the most part we have benefited from the marginalisation and exclusion of people of colour. Own your privilege, appreciate it and pay it forward," he wrote.
We need a good dose of empahy, perspective and ownership of priveldge in SA. It's either we are #WorldsApartOrPartners. New keynote with @KabeloMabalane # OutNow 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/JG5pn0Kch4
— Danny K (@dannykmusic) March 5, 2019
While many agreed with the singer's comments, some were not impressed.
"It's problematic when an artist singles out one race and don't look at the conversation and situation as a whole. Where are your tweets condemning the actions and behaviour of the EFF and BLF? Why target "White South Africans" as if there isn't a bigger black middle class in RSA?" Democratic Alliance councillor Renaldo Gouws replied.
As white South African I am constantly witness to a lack of empathy by PRIVELDGED white people around me. My tweet reflects my reality. The scales of priveldge and opportunity are still not equal...if you think they are then we may be living in different places. Album drops 2020
— Danny K (@dannykmusic) March 10, 2019
Former DA leader, Helen Zille, took a swipe at Danny K by pointing out his spelling errors.
You need some spelling lessons.
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) March 11, 2019
The singer was surprised that she was more concerned with his spelling.
When @helenzille ignores a plea to call out racism, appreciate privilege and chastises you over spelling. Really !? pic.twitter.com/5yl2Og5JKC
— Danny K (@dannykmusic) March 11, 2019
Helen replied, saying she was against racism but questioned "identity politics".
"I call out racism of all kinds, from all quarters. Always have. "Identity politics" (that turns 'whiteness' into the source of SA's problems) is just another manifestation of this disease. Most white people I associate with are working hard to make SA a better place for all."
I call out racism of all kinds, from all quarters. Always have. "Identity politics" (that turns 'whiteness' into the source of SA's problems) is just another manifestation of this disease. Most white people I associate with are working hard to make SA a better place for all.
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) March 12, 2019
Despite receiving some backlash, Danny K stuck to his guns.
"Reflection , ownership and an honest dialogue is desperately needed to bring us together."
He added: "Been fascinating to see the response to my tweets. While I don't agree with many of the views I fully support the right to freedom of speech. If we could focus that passion (on both sides) towards building a place in which we ALL can win- we would be further along than we are."
Thank you for all the support - black, white and everyone in between. Reflection , ownership and an honest dialogue is desperately needed to bring us together. This is the South Africa I envisage, this is the South Africa I am committed to fighting for.
— Danny K (@dannykmusic) March 11, 2019
Been fascinating to see the response to my tweets. While I don't agree with many of the views I fully support the right to freedom of speech. If we could focus that passion (on both sides) towards building a place in which we ALL can win- we would be further along than we are 🇿🇦
— Danny K (@dannykmusic) March 10, 2019
Danny K was trending on Twitter on Tuesday. Here's a look at what other South Africans had to say about the topic.
Danny K you are a good soul. END OF STORY. ❤ We recognise you.
— Naomi Pargoolall (@Naomi_K_P) March 11, 2019
Proud of you champ!👊🏿 Remember evil prevails when good men do nothing. https://t.co/Stotlg4j0f
— Kabelo Mabalane (@KabeloMabalane) March 12, 2019
And now... I’ve never been prouder to say “Up next is Danny K”. https://t.co/65dwxSVEZU
— Sizwe Dhlomo (@SizweDhlomo) March 12, 2019
my response to @dannykmusic critisicm of white people:https://t.co/zYs9u26Q6q
— сняis сндмеLеои (@chrischameleon) March 10, 2019
I think you are moving in the wrong circles. Most white people I know care about their fellow South Africans. As for compensation they are doing it every day by paying exorbitant taxes that are wasted by ANC misrule. B-BBEE is in fact the new injustice to all.
— MP Anton Alberts 🇿🇦 (@AntonAlberts) March 11, 2019