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| Thursday, 23 October 2003 |
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The gift bait by Afreeha jawad In what appears to be a 'genuine display' of unbounded good will, the constant exchange and interplay of that commodity called 'gifts' has in current societal existence stripped man of his soul, for in such progressively expanding exercise is embedded what sociologists refer to as Symbolic Interaction. Ranging from anything, say like chocolates and biscuits to even the 'colossal heights' of sensual re-enforcement and foreign tours, gifts have come to stay, facilitating goal attainment. In contemporary society status' and roles are seen by the opportunistic mind as symbols of manipulation the 'go between' being the 'gift'. Besides, say you want to increase your friendship or still better, 'club clientele' - all you've got to do is to open a packet of biscuits, chocolates or whatever and send it round - all tongues that may have wagged against you would be tongue tied in such attempts. But remember, for performance efficiency, repeat the exercise lest you find the floor cracking under your feet. And, as days go by you'll perhaps ride atop popularity's crest wave. Leave aside popularity count, Wow! You're sure of social placement and job enhancement in this 'benign' act. To hell with intellect - some hard to come by stuff - particularly these days. Anyway, who needs intellectuality in today's hollow life style, with the gift culture holding sway and the "same club-mania? Whither professionalism? one may ask. So you don't need to sit in a corner and cry any longer even though you're a nincompoop. Tactical measures carefully deposited in the 'gift' exchange gymnastics, will not only cover up but make up for all inadequacies vis -a - vis defunct intellectuality. Unlike earlier times today's authoritative seats do not warrant intellectual skills. Globalization rides high. Aggressive marketing and financial strongholds take priority. Pah! What for? - I mean scholarly thinking. So all is not lost for these mentally stunted empties. Gift exchanges and intimate interaction will meet your whatever shortfall. Wandering how this gift culture has found societal embrace making headway at all social levels one invariably is led into macro level international behaviour of how even international donors aren't minus strings on their benevolence - benevolent strings being more appropriate. So we have at micro level - renowned copy cats - as we are known to be who have not missed out on the art of hospitality's mutual exchange. So next time you go on that boss favoured tour, don't forget that treasured symbol of opportunism and manipulation - yes the 'gift'. Wait....... what of your neighbour and others equally useful, for God in heaven knows when you will need them? While keeping one and all in trim one must remember this. There are still a handful who will not full prey. Anyway happy 'gifting!' |
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