By Danielle Lobito
"I am sincerely sorry if…", Says Minister
Swedish Culture Minister (right) cutting the cake (Youtube; Photo: Jerry Nell)
The Swedish Minister of Culture Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth has apologized for cutting the racist cake, which was designed by artist Makode Aj Linde, on display at the Museum of Modern Art in Stockholm on World Art Day. According to newspaper reports, the Afro-Swedish Association has not changed its stance that the minister should resign.
On the other hand, some people did not see anything wrong in the ‘show of shame’ that gave artist Linde international fame. It was probably because they could not see anything wrong with racism in this type of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) or female circumcision awareness display. It is not a funny issue and neither should it be demonstrated with laughter or with any form of cake cutting amusement.
Linde mimicked a crying black woman whose genital was cut off as the cake was sliced. The ‘show of shame’ has not shown awareness since it was staged to mock FGM in the first instance. Instead, it was a display of insensitivity to generate laughter at the expense of the psyche of circumcised black women. It would not be surprising if the latest jokes are based on FGM. Such foolery in the cause of ‘awareness’ should be discouraged.
Some Muslims and Jews 'practice' circumcision. Why did the artist not start his awareness campaign there? The answer is very simple. The artist, minister and the Swedish authorities knew that it could lead to terrorism. Poor, defenceless and circumcised African women are 'better' and easier to mock.
"I am sincerely sorry": Swedish culture minister apologises for 'racist cake' shame
Mute and mutilated: black women and the cutting of the 'racist' cake
Minister apologizes over 'racist' cake cutting
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Nigeria's First Lady Patience Jonathan
The Palm Wine World Records Committee recognized and selected the First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan as the World’s Most Important Woman 2012. Why? Recently, she attended a ceremony tagged ‘Thank You and Advocacy Event’ in Lagos State and successfully paralysed activities for five to ten hours, depending on location. Roads were closed and some security officials made it clear to the masses that their freedom of movement was restricted until Dame Jonathan left the state because she had no patience at all. It was the first time that a First Lady held parts of a state to 'ransom', especially in Nigeria.
Bio
Name: Patience Faka Jonathan
Age: 54
Education: Mathematics, Biology and Psychology
Profession: Banker/Teacher
Spouse: President Goodluck Jonathan
Children: Two
Hobbies: Speaking English, Delivering 'Rib-Cracking' Speeches and Blocking Roads
Heroine: Former First Lady Imelda Marcos of the Philippines
Favourite Book: Failed States: The Abuse of Power and the Assault on Democracy by Noam Chomsky
Favourite Film: Love in Tokyo
Favourite Comedian: Basket Mouth
Phobia: 2015 – End of Hubby's Tenure
