Miss Zimbabwe opponents want nanny state

Miss Zimbabwe opponents want nanny state

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By Fungai Nyamukapa

I DO not agree with Kudakwashe Mazaranye's views on beauty pagents.

In my opinion, Oslie Muringai's (Miss Zimbabwe) father was right in expressing his pride after his daughter had won the Miss Zimbabwe contest. Oslie beat a lot more other girls in a competition Mazaranye simplistically describes as "putting some make-up and exposing herself to the public by strutting half-naked on the ramp."

It appears Mazaranye wrote an article on a subject which he does not fully understand. There is a lot more in modelling than wearing make-up.

To Mazaranye and all those who complain about nudity or semi-nudity, I ask whether you have decided to ignore that nudity is not new to African women.

African women have for long been moving around in the nude and have done so with dignity . What matters really is not whether or not one is naked but how one conducts oneself in public. It is only pervets who believe that strutting half-naked on the ramp implies loose morals.

It looks like Mazaranye is of the old school which believes that the real careers are those associated with academic excellence. In this modern age, modelling is as good a career as any other and at the end of the day what matters is one's contribution to the economy.

Since Zimbabwe is still a developing country, I wonder how Mazaranye justifies the training of journalists and columnists since it appears he prioritises doctors, teachers, farmers, chemists and the like .

Does Mazaranye believe that a nation should wait for the economy to be vibrant before the modelling industry can be launched? I am sure we can develop the economy whilst at the same time upgrading the modelling industry. In this rapidly changing world, Zimbabwe can not afford to lag too much behind in any aspect of development.

Can Mazaranye substantiate his claims that "the modelling industry is churning out mistresses ....?" I think such an accusation is just cheap and irresponsible journalism .

Does Mazaranye fail to appreciate that modelling supports jobs in the fashion and advertising industries and can be used to boost the tourism sector and thus the economy in general?

It appears Mazaranye is much in favour of the creation of a nanny state. I come to this conclusion because of the controls and bans he is advocating. I will not be surprised if Mazaranye is in support of the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) and other repressive legislation which progressive journalists have beeen complaining about.

I see nothing wrong in one switching careers as was done by the "government-trained" pharmacist. Surely one can not remain stuck in a career for fear of criticism from Mazaranye -- especially if the new career is more rewarding financially and gives one more satisfaction .

Finally , I think Mazaranye can write a better article about his hatred (unjustified most likely) of rich indigenous businessmen or his failure to woo beautiful women.
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