ON March 17 each year, bars across the world are awash with green beer, shamrocks and extra drunk people. The universities in South Africa are no exception.
At Rhodes University people go especially wild, they paint themselves green and go rampaging throughout the streets of Grahamstown. Although celebrating this day in such a way does little real harm, except when the water is out and people have to sit next to semi-green people who stink.
However, it came to my attention recently that the exploitation of Saint Patrick’s Day in any way is not good. A friend of mine also told me that the leprechauns which often feature in these celebrations may be insulting and derogatory towards Irish people.
For many, its significance has been reduced to an excuse to party. Its commercialisation is also obvious as it is the most globally celebrated national holiday but most don’t even know what they’re celebrating.
However, ‘Saint Paddy’s Day’ is not alone in the list of public holidays which have become part of a money-making scheme. Just this year, I witnessed Youth Day being used as a reason to have drink specials at our local bar while no significant celebrations took place.
Let alone, Freedom Day, which when a friend of mine from overseas asked people what it was for, she was met with blank looks or frantic googling. At university, such days have often become the opportunity to eat out when the dining halls close and we receive money instead.
I think it’s just a matter of giving more thought to things, taking a moment to ask what the meaning is behind what you’re doing and what you can do to avoid cultural appropriation or disrespecting something important.
So, before posting a selfie with your wine and saying you’re celebrating an event which holds no significance to you, get some background information. If not, you could just find an obscure inspirational quote to caption it instead.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
