«Hate and vengeance will never be for me».»

Le Regard Libre N° 73 - Guest column by Max Lobe

The Cameroonian-born Swiss novelist, multilingual and author of such books as 39 rue de Berne (2013), Far from Douala (2018) and His Phall'Excellence's Promise (2021), publishes an opinion piece in response to the latest anti-racist... racist demonstrations. (see editorial by Jonas Follonier).

What a shame to think that the answer to discrimination (any kind of discrimination, but especially racism) is to become racist.

My friends, this is absolutely not my choice. And believe me: as a gay black man, I know the smell of racism, hate, bitterness. My mother always told me to respond with love. It's difficult, but possible.

I remember an old white woman in a bar in Zurich, who asked me to return to my forests. I was not alone. My friends were shocked. The daughter (I think) of this old woman was shocked. And do you know what? I wasn't shocked. I'm used to hate. Unnecessary hate. I can smell it from a distance. No. I waited a few minutes and then, on my way to the bathroom, I stopped and took the old woman in my arms. I whispered in her ear: «I'll soon be back in my forest. But it's not time yet. Hey mami!?» I laughed as I went to urinate. The old woman, a red tomato, was shocked. 

If I am what I am today, it's because I prefer to laugh. Sometimes I learn to laugh at racists, homophobes, misogynists and so on. But I can't hate them.

«Hate and vengeance will never be for me».»

(The above French version is a translation of the original English text..)

What a pity to think that the answer to discrimination (no matter what kind of discrimination but especially racism) is to become racists. 

My people, that's definitely not my choice. And believe me: as a gay black man, I know the smell of racism, of hate, of bitterness. My mum always taucht me to answer with love. It's difficult but possible. 

I remember an old white women in a bar in Zurich who asked to go back to my forests. I wasn't alone. My friends were shocked. The daughter (I think) of that old woman was shocked. And you know what? I wasn't shocked. I'm used to hate. Useless hate. I can smell it from afar. No. I waited a few minutes and then, on my way to toilets, I stopped and hugged the old woman. I murmured in her ear: I will be back soon in my forest. But it's not yet the time. Eh mami!?” I laughed on my way to pi. The red tomato old woman was shocked.

If I'm what I'm becoming today, is because I prefer to laugh. Sometimes, I learn to laugh at racists, homophobic, misogynistic, etc. I just can't hate them. 

Hate and revenge will never be my portion.

Photo credit: © Niels Ackermann

Max Lobe
His Phall'Excellency's Promise
Editions Zoé
2021
144 pages

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