Headbutt the Monkey
They solved the problem of one rowdy Capuchin monkey by capturing another. Narnia, finally got Loki, a rambunctious 4kg brother!
If you’re new to Unlearning My Education, Welcome!
I write articles, poems, short stories and create art exploring my rehumanizing journey as an unlearner and new parent. Each Monday I offer work focusing on a theme:
Ubuntu as Rehumanization - I focus on Ubuntu as a radical force for human dignity by exploring its eight dimensions: Ubuntu (humanization), Umphefumlo (breath), Umzimba (body), Ulimi (language), Umqondo (head), Inhliziyo (heart), Umoya (spirit), Amandla (power).
Unlearning My Apartheid Education - I examine what it means to unlearn my South African apartheid socialization. I write about anti-oppression: anti-racism, anti-sexism, anti-capitalism, among more topics.
Childhood - Thoughts and reflections from my inner child’s eye. I talk about growing up in the afterlives of apartheid South Africa in a multi-racial family as well as boarding school life in a colonial school.
New Parenthood - Invite you into our new parenthood journey with all its chaotic beauty.
If you’ve been here before — thank you for coming back. If you’re new here, below is a good place to start:
My Foe, The Mofo (Wild Card Art Series)
Drinking Other People’s Beer (Wild Card Art Series)
Covid Music Video (Wild Card Art Series)
Headbutt the Monkey (Wild Card Art Series)
2-13-25, Johannesburg.
They solved the problem of one rowdy Capuchin monkey by capturing another. Narnia, finally got Loki, a rambunctious 4kg brother!
A few years earlier I complained about their table mess. My dad replied: “This is their house. You are a guest!”
One summer I returned with Steph, my new Texan girlfriend. We enjoyed the orange sunset and admired the apes’ impressive back bends. Suddenly, Loki lunged over, fangs ablaze, claws a ready. His vicious raw vibrated deep in my belly.
As quick as he arrived, he abruptly departed. I turned to Steph, hoping she’d soon agree to be my wife, and thanked her profusely for saving my life. She pointed to dad, who had reappeared. He calmly uncapped his castle lager beer and poured wisdom into my ear.
“My son, this is Jozi. It’s eat or be eaten. There’s a food chain and I am on top. We’re three now and he wants to fight you for the number two slot.”
“I’m going back inside. When Loki comes down. Pound your chest, bear your teeth and headbutt him like you’re the new sheriff in town!”
“You’re hilarious!” I scoffed, but the man was dead serious. Steph and I wondered if jet lag had us beyond delirious.
I sharpened my eyes, and clenched my fists. Dad stepped away as Loki stormed over, super pissed.
“Fuck that!” I yelled, running and shrieking. “I’m good with number three…will Steph still marry into this family run by a deranged monkey?”
Appreciation Time: Thank you for spending time in community with me.Through this work I hope to deepen community, connection and justice with you.
Please consider joining the waitlist for my upcoming book: Unlearning My Education: Ubuntu. Schooling. Rehumanization (expected publication in the Fall of 2027). The analytical memoir explores how Ubuntu as a rehumanizing lens can help us understand colonial education using my personal story of attending a dehumanizing former British boarding school in South Africa.
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"... will Steph still marry into this family run by a deranged monkey?"
I hope she did - lekker mal is still lekker!