02 November 2013

African Romance: A Practical Economics Class.


The law of demand states that: "the higher the demand of a commodity, the greater its price". In other words, a goods is accorded more significance when its demand rises. We unknowingly apply this law in our daily transaction; even managers and coaches of football clubs are well aware of this law. What then is the law of romance? Strictly speaking, romance has not one law in particular but the law of demand is applicable. How? The more a husband loves his wife, the more significance and respect he would accord to her. The more he wants her, the greater his love for her to an extent where she becomes a priceless jewel. In Africa, Nigeria to be particular, the story is a bit different…

It is the joy of every woman to get married someday. Equally, the joy of a man knows no bounds when he sees his bride walking down the aisle smiling and dazzling like the morning sun. But does this joy end after their first night? Honeymoon is gradually fading out as a tradition in a country where everyone is thinking of how to get money. There's really no time for romance, picnic, dinner, or bit of relaxation. The most common form of relaxation is the precious five hours sleep we are able to catch before jumping behind the wheels. There's something called 'opportunity cost' in economics. In a layman's words, it is simply that which one sacrifices in order to enjoy something else. It's the fish you sacrifice to buy meat; the gala you sacrifice to get plantain chips; the relaxation you sacrifice to make ends meet and the romance you sacrifice to make more money.

I recently propounded a law which states that: "the greater the number of children, the lesser the aura of romance". As every other law, it certainly has its exceptions but, that's not our point of focus. Take a look at a typical Nigerian family of five (with three children). Do you see the husband wrapping his hands around his wife's waist? "No, she has grown fat. Moreover, we'll corrupt the kids". Is the man giving his wife a peck in front of the kids? "At all, such things should be done in private." "Your children are old enough to get married, shouldn't you be laying an example for them in terms of romance?"  "What do you mean by that? Ehn? Our parents never did such immoral things in front of us. We are too old for such frivolities. They'll learn from the stories we tell them about ourselves" Stories which would sound like moonlight tales?

These are not common among all couples but majority are guilty. Our culture and tradition certainly play a role in our actions but, nothing stops us from making our children know we truly love them and their mother and we wouldn't hesitate to spare the rod if they misbehave. Although we all have different ways of expressing love yet, most of the time, the so-called 'expression' remains in our imaginations and people are yet to see it.
A halt to the insurrection up north wouldn't give us the peace we desire. Raising children in a home flowing with love and discipline would create a better future for us.

" Is money more important that marital bliss? Would you go on a picnic with your family or go to the office to sign a contract?"

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