Empathy, Negrophobia and Rape in Zukiswa Wanner’s London Cape Town Joburg

Abstract

This paper reflects upon two (un)related spectacular phenomena in South Africa: rape and black racism using Zukiswa Wanner’ London Cape Town Joburg (2014). It examines how the text uses irony to turn postapartheid optimism on its head, while refusing to uncritically borrow and use apartheid language of manufacturing difference. In addition, it makes connections between rape, intimacy and empathy in the contexts of sexual violence by examining the role of tactical empathy during the episodes of rape in the text. It concludes by suggesting that although empathy is an emotion for social good and transformation, it maybe co-opted and used to perpetuate uncanny/predatory masculinities and sexual violence on people perceived to be less privileged, weak and/or ‘deviant’. In addition, this work proffers that foregrounding vaginal discourses on discussions about rape in South Africa render other forms of sexual violence – male and anal rape – invisible/unthinkable.