Newspaper Columns ~ Financial Gazette

When fashion trends boggle the mind.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Financial Times Ltd.
(From The Financial Gazette)

Byline: Gwinyai Dziwa

MICHIGAN - One might hope that certain fashions are simply faddish. I must admit, I usually lag behind when it comes to "getting on with the programme" or rather fitting into the peer perspective of "being hot". I feel quite contented to be on the periphery of fashion trends and observe the ongoing drama in my forlorn of conservative recluse. First, I fail to understand why some young men in America prefer baggy pants or rather oversize types to well fitting ones. But what really piques my curiosity is the idea of wearing the oversize pants without tightening them with a belt around the waist, hence leaving them falling midway down the buttocks. Then the public is puzzled by the less aesthetic exposure of the anatomical divide of buttocks and in fortunate cases a clean underwear! But may be I am missing something here. Another trend of amazing popularity is the tattoo fashion. There is no doubt, people have the right to express themselves in the manner they deem fit. For many, tattoos are intended to improve appearance of the bearer. However, I saw a tattoo on someone's arm that was rather sleazy. I shall in a censorial manner present the words for your judgment. The tattoo had the inscription: "f...k you nigger." Need I say more? Yes of course. I met a black American girl who was just proud of her new tattoo. The tattoo was on her right breast. Then she threw dignity aside and exposed it to me. The tattoo had the word: Blackie. I demanded explanation. "Oh Blackie is the name of my boyfriend. I just did it because I love him and it's exciting to see his name on my breast." I nodded sagely. But six months later, I ran into the girl again. "What's up girl?" She made a broad smile and a repartee ensued. "So how is Blackie?" I took notice of her sudden yawning and facial contortions. She then remarked," Ah Blackie is the worst person in the world. I no longer see him. He is violent and rough." I suddenly remembered images of my first encounter with her. The tattoo issue stood prominently. Nevertheless, I quickly realised that broaching the subject would be tantamount to adding pepper into someone's eyes. We parted safely. The fashion of wearing earrings has been mainly confined to the fairer sex but thank God even men have joined the earring club. Nonetheless, no one has ever explained to me why women put on two identical earrings and some men prefer one. Again it flummoxes me how men who wear one earring choose which ear to have the ring. But I guess the primary motive is to have better looks such that when one peeps into the mirror he nods with satisfaction of his new better looks. And now we have body piercing as the hottest thing to do. Some like to pierce the eyebrow, some the nose. But tongue piercing has perplexed me. When I conversed with a white girl, she told me that it was quite comfortable. The metallic rod that ran vertically across her tongue only surfaced when she yawned or poked the tongue between her lips. That means if the tongue ornamental has to serve its purpose, that is, to enhance the aesthetics of her oral cavity, she has to open the mouth frequently for the observer to appreciate. The girl recounted to me that her tongue swelled after the piercing procedure and it took about three weeks for the tumescence to vanish. And the piercing style is becoming more private by the day. Some girls now have them on their nipples. I have often imagined such girls breastfeeding their babies. Anyway in this part of the world, babies can be raised on the formula stuff! In that light, the metallic ornamental on the nipple is basically for personal satisfaction and probably to impress certain eyes that will be graced enough to watch the uncovered breast. I am reliably informed that the piercing has now reached the Holy of Holies as well. I guess it's called the clitoral ring. I also understand the ring is attached to the phallic organ just above the entrance to the birth tunnel. There is no doubt that the purpose of such a ring is to impress the privileged that have a password to the sacred site. Newsline America conducted a survey and noticed that the piercing industry is generating a lot of revenue and those promoting the idea have a mercenary motive in addition to improving customers' appearances. On the issue of tattoos, the good news is that a procedure can be conducted to remove some unwanted tattoos. Hopefully the tattoo and piercing industries are not gravy train.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Financial Times Ltd.

Additional Financial Gazette Articles by Gwinyai:

When Fashion Trends Boggle the Mind

Friends, neighbors come in all shapes, sizes

The Interview You Never Heard

Health Care Deliver Can Be Revived

Human Beings are no better than animals

Is Electronic Surveillance Invasion of Privacy?

From Rural Rhodesia to Citadel of Global Capital

Emerging Leaders of a Techno-Century

Tuku Carries Zim's Cultural Torch

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