They Called Me a Racist: Is it Activism, or Cyber Bullying?

Overview: On 14 July, Times Live shared an article titled, “Cotton On to the fact that black lives matter,” spotlighting the defamation suit that Influencer and Blogger Shan Fourie laid out against a group of women who subsequently dubbed their collective movement #dontshushme. The article can be found at https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-07-14-cotton-on-to-the-fact-that-black-lives-matter/. Durban based lifestyle blogger with over 15K followers and Mom to 3, Shan Fourie was publicly called a racist after she used her own platform to elevate discussions around diversity by inviting her friend, singer-songwriter, entrepreneur and women’s empowerment activist LeAnne Dlamini to share an open letter to white mamas about raising inclusive children. This is Shan and LeAnne’s honest story. Remember, “People are hard to hate close up. Move in.” Brene Brown in Braving the Wilderness Links: Open Letter to White Mama’s from LeAnne D: https://shanfourie.co.za/anopenletter/ About EGH (End Girl Hate) Campaign: https://www.ldhworld.com/aboutldh Media Statement: I have taken the last few days to allow the commentary on this Podcast to run it's full course - having especially noted requests from a number of thought leaders on this issue to allow WOC to speak, without their voices being overshadowed or interrupted. There can be no doubt that the issue at hand is one that is deeply emotive and consequentially steeped in controversy. I understand the concerns raised, in full. The aim of my Podcast is to provide a safe, inclusive space for divergent voices to have honest conversations about the issues that matter. This is because I believe that making progress towards true healing and unity is possible only when we are brave enough to engage, wholeheartedly, on the tough issues - however uncomfortable. As my post stated, women on both sides of the issue - including a number whom are not subject to any possibly pending litigation - were actively invited to share their respective stories. Despite the discomfort, controversy and criticism that I have received, what has unfolded in the social media commentary was unavoidable and I have made no attempts to interject or to shut that commentary down before it has run it's full course. That is because the nature of this discussion is steeped in deep pain, which will take time to resolve, through hard, honest conversation across existing divides. As the host of The Honest Hour Podcast, my aim has and will always be to provide an open and inclusive platform for all voices. I stand in unison with each women bravely speaking their truth so we can pave a way forward, together. In order to contribute to constructive change, I continue to welcome guests from all sides of any narrative on to the Podcast to chat openly - as I have done with this issue. I remain committed to continue hosting a safe place for divergent voices to be heard, should those voices choose to actively engage as I have offered.