TRACEY BENDINGER | Culture | Contact
It was the tragic news that rocked the world, with sports fans and everyday people alike sharing their deepest condolences either through a personal tribute or a touching quote from an appropriate past legend.
This appropriateness seemed to be lost on NRL halfback and Newcastle Knights captain, Mitchell Pearce, who, on January 27, posted a quote from Robert Mugabe.
This is the same Robert Mugabe who violently repressed all political opponents over his 37-year tyrannical rule, single-handedly ruined Zimbabwe’s economy, healthcare and education systems, murdered thousands of innocent people and who actually set up ‘torture camps’ to beat, slaughter and humiliate anyone who opposed him.
The post in question said “Those who died yesterday had plans for today. And those who died this morning had plans for tonight. Don’t take life for granted. In the blink of an eye, anything can change.”
Objectively it’s a marginally inspirational quote, except for the fact that Mugabe said it and he was probably saying to one of his political prisoners before cutting their throat.
The post was quickly removed by Pearce, but it’s only today that he has finally got around to Googling Mugabe and realising just how much he fucked up.
In an exclusive interview with The Advocate, Pearce explains that it was an easy mistake to make and everyone should just get off his case.
“Fuck me, can’t a man grieve without being ridiculed?”
“How was I sposed to know who Mugabe was?”
“What am I, a history scientist?”
Judging from the public’s reaction to Pearce’s post, they definitely don’t think he’s a ‘history scientist’ [sic] with some people even making light of the situation saying other dictators probably had a few good quotes too.
“Whenever you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, remember there’s always light at the end of the tunnel – Pol Pot” wrote one Instagram user.
“Shit I’m sure Hitler would have said a few good things too, but you’d never post it” commented another.
More to come.
