PS: THE NEW MODERN IS TRADITIONAL

Funny how my friend and I noticed (and I hope you have not because this is supposed to be interesting) that as far as the world has come, things just keep happening all over again only differently branded with new generations, new people, new structures of society and even new mindsets of people altogether. If the world was a book, I’d say the author really used the technique of repetition (my literature teacher would be proud of me for this kind of analysis) and most of the things that happened ages ago have creeped back into our lifestyles, tastes, political and social atmospheres, et cetera. For example, I could relate some historical events like the weak leadership of King Louis XVI of France by the French revolution and his shameful capture while trying to flee to Austria to the recent similarly shameful capture of Laurent Gbagbo of Cote d’Ivoire, public figures being internationally humiliated due to their political weaknesses. Likewise I could relate the determination of prince Metternich of Austria (1815- 1848) to remain in power at whatever cost even if it meant clinging, to that of the now infamous Muamar Gaddafi of Libya. In fashion and style; things like pearls, waist belts, ‘dolly shoes’, high waist clothes, tights, super multi-colored clothes and so much more for the ladies’ stuff never ends. On the other hand, men and boys; baw ties, slim ties, slim trousers, checked clothes, light cardigans, sleeveless sweaters, moccasins and more but the men’s list is preferred short. They are all back with force on fashion and people are going crazy about them, designers are making fortunes over them because what was old fashioned is now latest fashion! Isn’t it ironic? Let’s go to music. See how nowadays black and white music videos are the ‘cool thing’ and techno music is the order of the day (some of us would say “the ish!” that’s what I mean! It’s all back. In tradition; no need to look to far, these days; anyone would love to have the original kind of traditional wedding (gusaba) just the way our ancestors did it. Yes, over the years it’d been filtered until it became a modern traditional type but thanks to times, we want it back. The kind of music largely celebrated today is from the likes of Kitoko. Bottom line is, ancient things carry more meaning to most of us these days. And I have concluded that, ‘nothing beats originality’ nothing beats the things that took first place before those that do now… all ‘modernity’ is derived from tradition. John Stuart Mill stated that, “all good things which exist are the fruits of originality”. That’s why we ought to respect it. Ends