The thing about Capetonians

I’ve been meaning to say something about this but consciously made the decision to avoid serious subjects so early on in my blogging career. I’m much better suited to the lighter side of life. Today I received an unexpected push to venture on the serious side from one Zaahier Adams asking Joburgers on IOL: ‘What is it about you that you have no respect for the values of Test cricket?’ He then went on to say a few insulting things with the highlight being: ‘Surely, you still cannot be angry with Smith for leaving your concrete jungle for the beauty of the mountain, sea and other many Cape Town pleasures’. You can read the whole thing here: http://www.iol.co.za/sport/cricket/proteas/joburgers-don-t-respect-test-cricket-1.1465227#.URJ_OB1JOAh

Zaahier, you have hurt my feelings. I found your tone to be condescending and demeaning. Sadly though, it sounded familiar. It is the same tone I’ve heard at some point in any conversation I’ve ever had with any Capetonian. So what I’m about to say is not aimed at you specifically. Here goes. In my personal, humble opinion, the thing about Capetonians is that most of you suffer from a superiority complex. It seems I’m not the only on that has come to this conclusion. http://finweek.com/2012/11/28/opinion-capetonians-arent-racist-theyre-just-douche-bags/

There are a few things I’d like to say in response to your question and attitude though. First of all, I love test cricket more than a lot of things in life. In fact, my husband and friends will tell you I’m obsessed with it. I am yet to meet any cricket loving Joburger who doesn’t prefer the longer format. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the game at Wanderers. It saddened me greatly, but it was a very busy social weekend as is most weekends up here. I can wholeheartedly assure you it was not due to a lack of respect for test cricket. Or its values. Whatever you mean by that. What I did see of the crowd over the weekend looked perfectly respectable to me.

Secondly, who gives a shit that Graeme Smith decided more than a decade ago to move down to Cape Town? I can sincerely say I don’t hold it against him. In fact, I’ve never given it any thought whatsoever. Good for him. Cape Town is definitely, by far, without a doubt, the most beautiful city in South Africa if not the world. Everyone has the right to decide where to spend their time. Live and let live. I myself have considered moving there often. Many of my friends have already relocated there.

Your attitude reminded me why I believe I’d never be able to adjust in Cape Town: I’d miss Joburgers. I’ve had amazing experiences with the people here. They are truly a friendly, open minded bunch once you see through all the bullshit that surrounds them. They’re probably more accepting than any other group of people in this country. This city has taught them to see beyond the obvious. You don’t have to be from here to be accepted with open arms. It doesn’t matter which part of Joburg you live in, which school you went to, who your parents are or what you do for a living. Joburgers are not defined by their surroundings. They are defined by the people around them and the experiences they share.

Lastly, I have a question, challenge even, for Capetonians: have you ever actually experienced Joburg? And I’m not talking about catching a flight to OR Tambo, staying in a hotel and then visiting your company’s head office with a quick stop at Sandton City. That would be the equivalent of me arriving at the Cape Town airport, head for Belville, hang out in Tyger Valley shopping center and afterwards tell everyone Cape Town is completely overrated. Have you ever really experienced it?  I dare you to seek it out. It’s much much harder to find than your beautiful mountain and beaches. You only need a GPS for that. This is why when you do find it, the payoff is huge.  It’s a precious thing. I’d take it over your mountain every day of the week. And I think that mountain is pretty damn amazing.