Whenever I have a major life decision to make, like what to have for dinner or when to have my next hair cut or what to do with the rest of my life, I consult my Magic 8-ball. When I say my Magic 8-ball, I mean the Magic 8-ball in Big Blue that’s too expensive for me to actually buy. I’ve been doing this a lot recently (to the annoyance of the Big Blue staff, I’m sure) and things are going fairly well. ‘Course, I asked it whether I should dye my hair purple the other day and it said yes, so maybe I shouldn’t get too carried away. Meanwhile, I’ve been Making Decisions About My Future, something I’ve been putting off for a while, because it’s scary. Currently, my strategy is this: apply to all the places possible (from a master’s degree in Kazakhstan to teaching in Korea to being a drug mule in Mexico) and hope for the best. And if all else fails, ask the Magic 8-ball. Those who are finishing their studies will sympathise with me, I hope. Unless you’re one of those annoying people with perfect hair who is sober all the time and know exactly what you want (if you’re like this, you’re definitely not a BA student). As I type this, I’m munching on those prawn chips from Woolworths. I bought this particular bag because I got an outraged message from some random tannie telling me not to buy stuff from Woolworths, and I like being contrary. Plus, I need Woolworths in my life. How would I be able to live without their chicken pie, or their brownies, or their chocolate mousse or … well, all the other things. And even though I can only afford to buy a single item from Woolworths about once every three weeks, because I’m a student and therefore not willing to pay that much for anything, I’m not going to boycott them because some angry white people are angry about nothing. So Woolworths is only hiring black people. So what? Unless you are currently applying for a job there, why the hell are you angry? Affirmative action isn’t a new policy. As far as I can tell, Woolworths is only complying with the law, not enacting an actively racist policy. Could everyone calm down? And be serious, you’re not actually going to stop buying things from Woolworths. How would you survive without them, Mr and Mrs Middle Class White Suburbanite? This whole saga has interesting parallels with this whole Kiaat racism thing (see the front page). Though on this occasion, I agree that people do have a right to be upset and the whole thing should have been handled with a little more tact, though it seems to be the same basic situation: people trying to comply with the right policies. Anyway, once you’ve decided whether or not you’re ever going to buy Woolworths food again, read the rest of this week’s paper. I recommend the Dance, You’re on Fire interview this week. The rest of it is all pretty cool too. Naturally. Every little thing is gonna be all right Beyers @PerdebyEditor
