PUBLIC RALLIES AND LANGUAGE – CALLING YOUR OPPONENTS HYENAS
By Kellys Kaunda
Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa called Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu and Emmanuel Mwamba Hyenas.
“These crooks must not be allowed to rule again”, he added.
This was in Choma yesterday at a public rally.
Ordinarily, this language wouldn’t be a problem because, as Zambians, we draw object lessons from animal behavior.
It means it’s not meant to be understood in the literal sense.
However, the question I wish to pose is this: is UPND ready to be referred to similarly by the opposition without claiming hate speech?
Generally, there’s a spirit of intolerance in the current political atmosphere in which opposition figures have gone to jail for figures of speech that are well documented in our cultural exchanges.
Nakachinda’s case is an eloquent illustration of what I am saying.
Fairness means what’s good for the goose is also good for the gander.
As the election season opens up, every one of you taking to the microphone to address crowds must check both your emotions and your language.
Excitement when crowds are before you and cheering could lead to saying hurtful things and possibly libelous.
I totally agree. People should use civil language when addressing the public. Iam sure his friends will call him out over some whiskey.