09 March 2012

brand slavery

Brand slavery

Without a shadow of doubt, we are living in an image conscious world.
The internet, radio, television and print media all have a sizeable stream of advertising. The media gain monetary reward, and the brands gain exposure. And what do the consumers gain? Well, the bragging rights of owning the “it” item, and being in possession of that branded item. And it does not matter what the item is, be it underwear, an appliance, a car, and even a pair of nappies!

When God created mankind, she did not include a suitcase with designer wear. She was satisfied in the work she had created, such craftsmanship. Adam and Eve proudly paraded the luscious Garden of Eden in their birthday suits. Since the face of fashion has evolved. From the leaves that God gracefully covered them in after they had discovered their sense of nakedness, and got themselves evicted from paradise. To the miniskirts, the Louis Vuitton clutch bag, the bellbottoms of the 70’s, and the “mashwabani’s” of the 90’s, we are label fanatics.

As the manufacturer, it is very important to position your brand in such a way that the consumer will be magnetised by it. From the toilet paper manufacturer, to football clubs. Forbes magazine calculates the “Man U” (Manchester United Football Club) name to be worth $285 million (16% of their $1.835 billion value).You see, we are brand worshippers.

We pass this onto our children, even in their infancy stage. By buying designer garments, which the baby will outgrow, they grow at a phenomenal pace at this period. Then, there are the branded feeding bottles, I admit, I am guilty of this one in particular. However, these bottles are specialised with baby’s health in mind, so you cannot go wrong with them.

But what baffles me most about the amount of oomph that we invest in acquiring branded wear, is when it comes to baby’s disposable nappies. By all means, I concede, baby’s comfort is key. And there are the big players in the baby disposable nappy market, yes they have innovative products. These high-end nappies are equally highly priced, and much goes into the advertising campaigns to bring in new clientele.

But it is advisable to the budget conscious parents to try all the less advertised brands. Atleast give it a try, to test its effectiveness. It is estimated the babies use up to 6000 nappies by the time they are potty trained (around age 2). A savvy tip would be to use the inexpensive nappy during daytime, and the branded ones at nighttime. In that way, you get the best of both worlds, and save a few rands which could go towards baby’s education. Because at the end of the day, that is what counts most, than brand mania.

And do clothes make the man/woman? Their practical use is to protect the body from the climatic conditions. Certainly it won’t hurt to look smart, and stylish while doing it. But one does not need to break the bank to do so. It is wiser to invest into your bond repayment, or education for a brighter future rather than slaving for brands.

28 February 2012

Sizwe @ 2months vid

10 February 2012

A prayer answered

To my beloved Sizwe

Summoned by her supplications so sad
Celestial beings in heavenly spaces
Gathered, they contemplated and conferred
On ways to brighten up her darkened places

In childhood her delightful world upturned
Tumbling through her bruising adolescence
Only Loves nectar could quench her heart parched
Countless prayers receiving no response

But her conclusion was amiss, indeed
Her persistent prayers had ascended
Reached and pierced the heavenly realms. Her need
Pierced God’s heart, around her angels gathered

The Cherubs toiled in a labour of love
And they delivered her bundle of love

10 Feb 2012

© 2 0 12 V u y o k a z i S Y o n k e

06 February 2012

Being...lessons...

Being a male is a matter of birth
Being a man is a matter of age
BUT
Being a gentleman is a matter of choice!



25 January 2012

gender roles

Gender roles

Recently I have gone through a life altering experience. I have welcomed a new being into my life. During a conversation with a couple of friends we mentioned our childhoods and the ways in which we were raised. I remember my childhood years quite vividly and very fondly, they were amongst the happiest times in my existence. As I recounted my memories to my friends they were utterly aghast at the role my father played in my upbringing. I was equally shocked by their response and disbelief in the reversal of gender roles.

To paint you, reader, a picture of my childhood, I grew up in a kasi during the eighties. It was a time where children played those old school games in the streets until they were red with dust. A period where a mere fifty cents could buy all the snacks your little heart could dream of. Yes, in my home the roles based on gender were contrary to those held by tradition.

My mother worked at the local hospital; she owned and drove a vehicle. My father also owned his vehicle but he had taken an early retirement package from his workplace which meant that he was home, most o the time. My father, as an African man, I believe, was quite ahead of his time. I have fantastic memories of him getting me ready for a day at the day care. I recall him teaching me the Freedom Charter of 1955, and teaching me how to tell time. We would sit together having coffee, I felt all so grown up. To me he was a positive male role model; I do not know how he felt about those times, and the role he played. Culturally, an African man who would play a pivotal role in raising a child in the manner that my father did would be viewed as an emasculated man.

Traditionally, women are the ones expected to rear the children, while the men are away from the homestead. Whilst the men are away, the women are the ones shaping the kind of person the child will become when they are adults. Raising children is one of life’s important and challenging tasks, as that person will have a part in shaping the future. When the men are away from home, they are missing out on quality time with their child. Quality time which they could use to fill the void and to create a balance in the life and the outlook of the child.

On my personal journey, I will be raising a boy child. He will grow up without an emphasis on gender work division, or any gender specific roles. I will do this in the hopes to shape a man who will have respect for gender equality in all aspects of life.

Opposing that cultural and traditional belief, men, particularly African men, should be encouraged to play a more participatory role in raising their offspring, in that way, they imprint a personal stamp on the future adult.

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