This term, cockroaches, seems to have become a rallying cry.  It is heard from far right shock jocks here in North America about liberal opponents.  And now among young activists in South Africa.  Such terms serve to dehumanize those who oppose us in some way.  Once we no longer see them as human beings it becomes easier to take the next step to violence and death.  Even if these young activists intend no such physical harm to their opponents, it is a slippery slope that is better blocked now, before it is too late.  Perhaps it is past time that someone fought back for the dignity of all human beings before it it too late.