We Are Accepting New Heroes

Areporter tracked me down to ask me about why today's youth aren't viewed as heroes, but rather delinquents. She was curious about why today's youth, despite doing exactly what it is that made the old heroes in the past, are instead viewed as anarchists and thugs rather than liberators.

I gave her too much truth and, as expected, three months later the interview hasn't been released yet, so I decided to publish it here myself.

Journo: Thank you for sitting down with me. The younger generation describes the Amushes as modern-day heroes, but the older generation refers to them as hooligans. Why is it difficult for them to accept their equality with the Nujomas and the Ya Toivos?

Casim: My dear, the elderly you speak of are a special breed, and we owe them our daughters if they wish. These people walked to Tanganyika from Rundu. Your Amushes arrive in a taxi at China Town in Havaianas to throw boxes around. They are not in the same league. By the way, it is not time yet. The youth are the future. Does this look like the future yet?

Journo: They took charge early in their era. Imagine how old Sam Nujoma was when he was dodging bullets in the trenches, walking to Tanganyika and shanties?

Casim: He didn't dodge shots; rather, he bent the rules of physics and diverted the bullets' trajectory. Ask Rocco de Wet, better known as Die Grensvegter, a veteran who served on the wrong side, and he will explain why they were unable to hit the enemy fighters.

Journo: I'll research that. What makes this different? The youth are fighting for economic emancipation, LGBTQIA+ rights, and that is our struggle. They fought for independence. Why are they viewed as the problem?

Casim: During the liberation war, the liberators also had to deal with their puppets and enemies of progress. Why do you suppose that these do not exist anymore just because it is kama a free country?

Journo: What is the one thing that today's youth should learn from the older generation about fighting for their causes?

Casim: You need to track down a Herero chieftain who will let you crawl between his legs and spit into your mouth. After that, you'll get a hat and a walking stick that you'll use to exit Namibia. Upon your return, you will be hailed as a hero.

Journo: Which Herero chief is good to do the ritual?

Casim: Good question! But nobody will open their legs for these boys after hearing about what they have done and where they have been. Haha!

But on a serious note, it is not clear who is chief anymore. Let us wait for the courts to decide, as usual.

Journo: When will we start referring to other Namibians as heroes?

Casim: You cannot merely acquire titles and the status of a hero. Others passed laws to legislate names and titles, and I suppose you will wait until you are in office and do the same. Opuwo. And what would you call Amushe, anyway? Founding What? Huh? Nonsonse! What would you call Dee? Iixuna! Others had to pass laws for that and you just want to be called 'Liberator General' for nothing?

Journo: But Cas….

Casim: No buts! I am offended. Mbuae monyanda ove! This interview is over.

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