Israeli Apartheid Week: A Brief Introduction of SAUJS and PSC UP The commodification of students’ hobbies

to work whenever you can. It also teaches the fad that anything outside of productive activities is not worth investing in, as it has no monetary value. The German Historical Institute published a document titled “The Character of Leisure Time in Capitalism and Socialism” that claims, “Under capitalism, the entire organisation of leisure time is overshadowed by existential fears. At times this occurs more strongly than at others, but it is invariably so.”

This reflects the way people think about their free time. “Hustle culture” refers to immersing oneself in so much work that there is no time for anything else. Not only does it have a monetary benefit, it also encourages success by any means and teaches resourcefulness. However, working to the bone at the expense of one’s hobbies and interests can lead to more harm than good.

What is the solution? How does one decommodify their time and claim back their hobbies as creative outlets removed from capitalistic expectations? According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, the word “hobby” refers to a pursuit outside one’s regular occupation, engaged in especially for relaxation. To restore the meaning of this word, it is important to find activities that both induce relaxation and interest you enough to keep doing them unpaid. Taking a pottery class and not selling the bowl, playing the guitar and not booking a gig, or reading a book and not selling a review.

Pillay: We would like students to know that antisemitism claims made against us are unfounded. The Constitution of PSC clearly stipulates that we are a non-secular, antidiscriminatory, and inclusive organization. Our cause is not against Judaism, the religion, but rather against Zionism, the ideology. We take pride in our South African democracy, and simply wish to afford the same to the people of Palestine. Ultimately, we are a humanitarian group, that operates under the pillars of peace, self-determination, and human dignity.

Said: We know there has been a lot of controversy about the Middle East. As SAUJS we get many questions regarding Israel. We will always be willing to engage and discuss. We are happy to speak to anyone on campus, especially those wanting to make the university a more inclusive place and one that is free from discrimination on issues like gender, racism, and antisemitism.