Immediately after Thanksgiving, Americans participate in a bizarre ritual of pulling things off shelves and standing in long lines. “Black Friday,” as it is called, tries to lull us all into a belief that Christmas is all about giving stuff, and that if we really love people, we should give them the latest iPhone or Wii game and get it on sale. But the term “black” is arguably for the stores’ benefit. It is the period that keeps them in the black, i.e. yields great profits.
Now, I want all of you to get the best prices on the things you want to buy for the people you love, but I want to talk about a thing that most girls in Kenya desperately want, need continually, is never on sale and means more to them than any other gift.
What could this miracle present be? Simply a sanitary pad. Its cost is too great for most families to bear, and so girls miss school, stay home or prostitute themselves to get pads. Such injustice makes me see red — it makes me so angry.
Colors are not just emotional. Their use serves as a visual reminder of an emotion paired with an event. For example, we use orange and black for Halloween, and red and green for Christmas.
Red symbolizes different things in different cultures: love and passion (think red roses); power and status (think red carpet); blood (AIDS, redemptive sacrifice or menstruation); fire, heat and creativity; or, danger and warning (think stop lights/signs). It is the color of anger in America, the color of fortune in China, health and life in Central Africa, death and mourning in South Africa, and sacrifice, courage, and patriotism in the UK and US.
When you see the color red this December -– whether it’s Christmas tree baubles or candy canes or simply a stop sign –- think of the girls in Kenya.
I want you to see red -– to get angry enough about this injustice to do something and get excited enough about the opportunity to get involved with ZanaAfrica and see real change. Plug into our ZanaAfrica family to learn more about us and see the power of one in action.
Red should mark the beginning of a new life for girls, not a dangerous sign marking the end of hope.
This Christmas, take action and give a gift of hope!
Note: this blog was first posted for first posted in a slightly modified version for The One Campaign. Check out my first blog on their site.
