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Who Invented the Coolie

I retired from education, sharing with (not scaring) OUR YOUTH oblivious of persistent prejudice, labor migrant past piercing the present until i left America for South Africa, returning to Natal nativity, COMPLEX TRUTH missionary in Eastern Cape province, an elder of Newtown blurted: "coolie man" Yes, siblings, labels like "Hotnot, Coolie, kaffir" are rife, despite LEGISLATION II A missionary, absent from South Africa for 15 years straight, no VISITS My life, wife, and children lived on America's East Coast then: PROVIDENTIAL Now, with a new family in my native land, I am stunned I'm The "COOLIE" Yes, it hurts. My ancestors came as virtual slaves on British ships: LABOR MIGRATION They may have worked as porters, "coolies" in India and China then: PAST SINS Continue in Nelson Mandela's South Africa, against "Hotnot and Coolie," STILL Who made these words commonplace in so many places: TRINIDAD, Jamaica, Guyana, Africa?

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Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 12/5/2021 5:40:00 AM

Was disgusted when derogatory terms used when referring to non-white races in South Africa, did white people not hear names they were called rednecks, boers, crunchies. I lived in Zambia for 5 years before we came to SA, was flabbergasted, such a cultural shock, best friends in ZAMBIA Beatrice Mushumbulwa, Shusheila and Shandrika Mystry and Jane Laycock. Our Rainbow Nation is diverse in SOUTH AFRICA and WILL become the cornerstone of an economically much envied country. Hugs, blessings, JENN.

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 12/4/2021 8:31:00 AM

I assume Coolie is a derogatory slur. But don't you worry. Jesus was called many such a derogatory slur. You continue with your work. Blessings to you. I haven't heard from Lisa for a long time. We were such friends. I'll send her your regards.

Anil Deo
Date: 12/4/2021 8:59:00 AM

Thanks a million, Victor. You are such a gentle soul (I wrote it as therapy. And nations will enforce slurs against some groups, but not those against other - smaller groups. Always political calculations whose vote is weightier, LOL!) shalom, shalom Victor