National Cleavage Day – Advertisers plumb new depths
Linny from Durban is not at all impressed with “National Cleavage Day” and questions the discernment and sensitivity of the minds behind the creation of such a day. While we are not prudes nor fun-spoilers and believe a little frivolity never hurt anyone particularly in a world of so much negativity, we must lean towards her notions… WAKE UP peopl… e. Please give Linny your feedback. Ok, so here’s the thing. This “National” Day is a marketing campaign sponsored by Wonderbra in order to sell more bras. Fact. At the risk of sounding like a hatched faced man-hating feminist kiljoy I really think that it is an absolute disgrace, and here’s why: Given the appalling statistics of woman abuse in this country ( I believe a woman is KILLED by an abusive partner every SIX hours and a woman is R APED every 45 seconds – never mind the common and garden variety abuse that is experienced on a daily basis) don’t you think that its just plain wrong for advertisers to use the word “national” to describe a day that is about breast size and sexuality. Anyone with even the most passing knowledge of gender politics knows that woman abuse is inextricably linked to sexual politics and in particular the sexual objectification of woman. These are not just feminist buzzwords but very real sociological problems. Women have spent decades trying to get society (which includes men and women) to view them as full human beings not second class citizens to be used and abused at will. To quote from the wonderbra website: National Cleavage Day is an annual event proudly brought to you every year by Wonderbra. The day is sure to produce its share of proud displays of womanhood, smiles and wholesome fun. So ladies, dare to bare your assets in your favourite Wonderbra and participate in this festive call to all women.” [this “festive call” has been given LOADS of airtime on both 5FM and EastCoast Radio] Aside from the rather hackneyed “get em out for the lads” type of nudge-nudge wink-wink writing I really really object to the use of the word “national”. This somehow puts a cyncial marketing campaign to sell more bras on the same level as National Womens Day, Childrens’ day etc I do not live in the Wonderbra “nation” – I live in a nation where women are still struggling to be recognised as human beings – not just chattels and it is this same nation that has expressly rejected sexism and any other form of discrimination. The whole campaign – stereotypical and lame as it may be – offends me...
Represent DIARY: From Jozi to Uganda
One of our favourite people Bob left his love Johannesburg after living here for a few years, to go home to his place of birth, Uganda. You’d be suprised by the number of Ugandans around – think Lee from YFM, Sala and Sami Sabiti…. In his new post “From Jozi to Uganda”, Bob lets us know all about his move – click here to go to the Visit Uganda site:… I sure miss South Africa! Jhb has been my home for the last 5 years and there is nothing that can erase the imprint that Jhb has left on me! Infrastucture and convenience are things i miss a lot. One thing we need is a crazy place that makes great cocktails and some Jaegermeister! I am in Kampala and it is different in a number of ways. First of all it is hot like crazy! I am not talking about jhb heat but humid heat like in Durban but there is no ocean for miles-well there is Lake Victoria. Second of all we have crazy traffic and everyone has to drive around like a warrior.The saying ‘You snooze, you lose’ was created for Kampala, the city of 7 hills. Now these things seem negative but they are also part of the reason why we love this place. One thing for sure is that Ug is the safest place in Africa. You can walk at night and not have your heart pounding 24/7. Its sad to say SA, but people are friendlier here and when it comes to having a good time Kampala rocks in more ways than one and doesn’t come with the pretentiousness that other countries and cities have. One thing i advise is for South African’s to travel around Africa and see what the mothercontinent has to offer! You can start with Uganda the unbelievably green, unspoiled, safe, friendly, varied and magical country… Over and out from Uganda. Till next time… BOB PICTURE COURTESY OF FLICKR – The photo sharing website – click here to see more of Kampala and...
Pole Dancing – the new girls night out
TRUETHING – you’re turning out to be one naughty PARTY GIRL citizen journalist, thanks for this delicious article on GIRLS NIGHT OUTS – If you’re looking for more info, check out this (badly designed) webiste strippers.co.za. Ppssst…… Just in case you didn’t know. Females have taken the concept of “a gi…rls’ night out” to a whole other level. In the last month I have received three invitations to pole dancing evenings. What?…I hear you thinking. You read it correctly, a pole dancing evening. Now…hang on, these are very civil and cultured if you can call them that. Typically a group of four ladies come to your home bearing a silver pole, which is installed in the middle of your lounge (assuming that is your chosen space for the gathering). The installation of “Roger” (the pole) happens in less than two minutes: no bolts, nails or any unsightly holes remain in your ceiling. In order to host these evenings you need to invite 10 girlfriends to your home and each pay a fee of R110.00. For this you get four experts (none of them have ever worked in the sex trade- though by what they do one can’t help but wonder through out the evening) The first lady to come up is the MC so she helps you settles in, you all drink a little and dance to some music. The Second lady helps you make peace with your body (flabby stomach and all) by talking you through why women carry the insecurities and shame they do about their body. By the time she is done with you, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you are a sex goddess. The third lady is the master of Toys she has every toy imaginable. All on sale of cause. Yes…I bought myself some and have been brave enough to use one or two. Anyway that’s another story all together. Then the fourth is the pole master she shows you how to work the pole – her explanation is “:the pole is a good source of exercise cheap and easy to work and can be used in the comfort of your own home”. She even allows you to try the moves on her pole if you are brave enough. All in all the evening really is a pole lot of fun and all of us women walk out feeling really desirable. Plus we learn a few tricks we can pull on a lucky willing mate. Have to say… I’m not sure if I am encouraging these parties, but I sure am glad that I experienced them. Not sure if I’ll be doing it again...
Pimp my skorokoro – Mazda ‘Concept Car’
Thanks to Moga-G for this funny pic. It’s an email that’s doing the rounds – it features pictures of a ‘Mazda Concept Car’ – what a lag, it’s actually a souped up skorokoro. What we would like to know is if the snake on the passenger seat is a real inyoka! Scarily enough we drove past this car on Monday night in Newtown near Horror Cafe, so it may come from Mpumalanga, but i… t hangs out in GP. Thanks Moga-G! Please email us on editor@represent.co.za if you would like us to forward the email to you....
Give a year of your life to the people
Are you between the ages of 18 – 25? Feeling like you need to do more for SA? Looking for a more meaningful way of spending your time??? Check out the CITY YEAR project and get stuck in there. Apply ASAP – good luck – please let us know if you get in and fill us in on your experience. Nearly one year ago, over 100 South Africa…ns, between 18 – 25 years of age, came together for the first day of City Year – unsure of this new programme they had signed up for; unsure of the difference they might make; unsure of how the programme would change them personally. A year later it is described by many as the best year of their life – a year they will never forget. They made friends for life from all different backgrounds, made a real impact in the lives of children and communities and grew in ways they could never have imagined. They became the embodiment of all the qualities we look for in today’s leaders – trust, compassion, confidence, and the life-long commitment to serve their country. These diverse Service Leaders, with completely different experiences and skills, each morning left their homes in various parts of the city – from Sandton to Kliptown, from Centurion to Eldorado Park – uniting to serve full time for one year. In total, they spent 127,500 hours serving the children and communities of Johannesburg. In 10 after school programmes around the city, over 1300 children were served daily, engaging in activities to build their maths, literacy and life skills. Most importantly, City Year Service Leaders provided a safe and fun place to spend those after school hours! What we need is more people in this world who not only have the desire to create positive change, but also the motivation, skills, knowledge and commitment to do so. That is what City Year is helping to do. Not only with the recruits who will join the programme, but also with those they inspire through their service year: the children, school staff, communities, corporate sponsors, parents, friends, and many more. The idea is simple. Use the energy and idealism of today’s youth to address some of the most critical issues facing children and communities today. Click here to go to the site where you can apply...
We love the Ludacris video shot in Durban – siyabonga Luda
Wow wow wow. If you haven’t seen Luda’s latest music video Pimping All Over the World, do something to make sure you see it soon. It’s a pity that it takes an international artist to show off our rocking country and the exploitation in the video may be a little hard to swallow but it’s certainly put Durbs on the map and challenged the common perceptions of Africa – and hey we can deal wi… th it…. We particularly loved his ZULU that he spoke at the beginning – nice one mfowethu! The video takes the cheesy, cliched side of tourism and glams it up into a sexy, awesome tongue-in-cheek showcase for all those ignoramuses that still think Aaaaafricah is a backward hopeless continent. For the feminists out there and those easily offended you may battle with the typical hip hop portrayal of women as booty – well the song is pretty honest, it’s about “pimping all over the world”… and the fact is – there’s half-naked Zulu men in it too 🙂 Here’s some background on the gorgeous South African models used in the video from sohh.com: Desiree Phillips, a South African police officer, Mathapelo Maimane, a personal assistant and project manager from Johannesburg and Zulu Prince Maqhawe Biyela were all handpicked by Luda to take on leading roles in the “Pimping All Over the World” video. All three said they were shocked after learning of their new gig. This video marks The Red Light District’s third release and is slated to premiere on MTV in May. For the shoot, Luda stayed in Durban for three days and shot scenes on its beachfront, the Lion Park near Pietermaritzburg, the Zimbali Lodge and the Sibaya Casino on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. Desiree Phillips, 26, has never modeled, but was selected while on duty during the shoot at the beachfront. Have a look on the web for views on the video all from over the place, here’s a little enlightening quote from a blogger on SOHH – interesting logic: I felt a little ashamed that I didn’t realize there are beautiful women on that continent before. But hey, can you blame me for my ignorance? Every time I see African women on TV they’re either scrawny and topless with a basket on their head, or are starving and have flies buzzing around their face.So, props to Luda and his team for making a quantum leap in the way Black women are portrayed in the media. What do you think? Damned if you do Damned if you...
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