Be My Valentine

It is Valentine's Day in Harare. It is a fact which is hard not to notice. Shops, stores and restaurants are decorated with red hearts and fluffy animals. The celebrations started already last week. One would think that in a place such as Zimbabwe commercial traditions would not be as prevalent. It is surprising to see how American influences remain strong in spite of the last years economic and political turmoil. The stores do not even have a very wide selection and most items are sold at a high market price. One could wonder how Zimbabweans can afford it. A Zimbabwean friend said that most did it for show. To uphold an image of an ideal life style in front of others remains important. It was especially true for those that once lead a wealthy life that is before Zimbabwean dollars in the bank became useless. Perhaps the mentality of buying for the sake of buying becomes more of an obsession when means are limited.