Othello

This morning I was on cleaning mission # infinity. It was one of those days when I mourned the leave of our domestic worker. Usually around this time of year we aren't at home to wipe floors, scrub toilets and curse every strand of fallen hair. Julia was probably safely across the neighbouring border soaking up the sun and every moment of her well deserved, annual, Christmas break. These periods of independence are most definitely a test on our fitness levels, muscular density and cleaning skills.

While I waited without protest for the detergents- that were being used down the passage- I felt a pang of hunger and decided to make my way bare-footed and gym-clothed down the stairs. I was now obedient to my body's needs instead of wants and treated myself to a shot of vanilla drinking yogurt and a chunky jungle oat bar. But I couldn't help but wander to the closed game room door only to find a fourteen year old male creature sunken into a low, single, folded sleeper-couch playing PS3. I didn't detest cleaning a single bit but I detested the fact that my mother had to clean two bathrooms without kicking up a fuss only because "men dont do house work, it's a womans job." I found consolation in the fact that he was going to spend the remaining day on his holiday job and that all male members of my family opposed this way of though (after all there is some sense in there old school minds) except my brother who ,by the way, is a member of the 21st century who manipulates 20th century stereotypes to excuse his laziness.

So as I began my debate about how we were slogging a floor above him, I got a nonchalant "huh?" in that I -can't -open -my -mouth -coz -you -not worth -the -effort sort of brogue. At that point I realized it wasn't worth the destructive carbon dioxide emission so I decided to shut my provocative trap and chat about unimportant junk while scanning through the apps on his iPod (which fyi I'm not allowed to touch and so we ended up circumbulating the pool table with shrieks n giggles until I surrended.)

I completed Shakespeare Othello last night and couldn't help but question the rights of women in the     Century...okay there were none but the submissiveness did kill me. Don't get me wrong I find it totally romantic and honourable when woman are obedient and submissive (to an acceptable degree) but only on the grounds of an understanding, accepting, appreciative, trusting husband.

The mere fact that the title is Othello and not Desdemona was enough to display Shakespeare's anti-feminism and I've got more proof: Macbeth. Maybe, I'm getting it all wrong you might see the titles as the tragic heroes of the respective plays. I cringed at the part where the brainwashed Othello struck his innocent young bride over a rumour or doubts of her loyalty. Oh, how it must've pained the chaste woman's soul to be called common. I'm not really feminist I just stick to the rights of the Book. All over the world women are fighting for equality....with male counterparts in the workplace, freedom of movement et cetera, et cetera. But how many of us eve now the rights that we religiously deserve. Men are always well versed when there woman slip up, well versed with "it's my right to..." but how often do we use that phrase? Anyway you're probably already thick of my sanctimonious banter.

This morning I was so proud of the ever protesting Egyptians when my eyes scanned the headlines: Egyptians protest against beating of women....until I read the fine print..."Thousands rally in Cairo to denounce military's attacks”, as Hillary Clinton condemns "systematic degradation of women"." at that point I wanted to puke. Why Were women always slaves of America?... they reminded me of seals at the local aquarium marine show- if you pick up your hand so do they. I was so irritable and at the same time desperate to find Egypt a Tawakkul Karma. They follow America's clothes, opinions and political lead or if I may, political manipulation. Egypt being predominately Muslim should already know that abuse of any form without a valid reason is totally prohibited. Where were the educated of Egypt when women were being beaten? Only Hilary Clinton remembered the Islamic rights of her fellow Egyptian women that were being infringed, how thoughtful. And so they rallied through the streets of Egypt, stooges of the honourable Clinton. Women are always trying to reach the top (almost successful- Clinton) yet here's an opportunity ....stand for your rights and the rights of your fellow beings. Be your own leaders Egypt and not followers of America.

Anyway, I'm off to a road trip down one of the most scenic routes in Africa, scattered with numerous World Heritage Sites....with my books off course, The Great Gatsby and Aleph.

Ciao...

P.S. I got carpet burned with a mug on my head (if that’s possible), water poured on my freshly washed hair and jailed behind the Trelli gate of our pantry, just for speaking the truth now I know what many humanitarians and activists suffer in the path of peace and truth. Oh I forgot to tell you why-for lowering my brother’s awesomeness rate- a damaging an ego is calling for bigger trouble than WWII.