So I'm reading Buchi Emecheta's Slave Girl and Bride Price review by Rose Mezu, and I stumble on this line where she quoted what buchi wrote....
It reads....
"All her life a woman always belonged to some male. At birth, you were owned by your people, and when you were sold, you be-longed to a new master"
I like that she used sold instead of married, depicting the reality of what happens in a typical Nigerian marriage. I like this boldness mehn, calling it by its name. Not happily married but happily sold and bought!
Referring to that thing that they call Bride Price.... And I laughed very loud, because this one is strong, and I decided to share with you that I found someone who says truth for truth.
Many times when I write, especially amongst marriage line in Nigeria, I always have to fight with that urge that wants me to write, "Laura was sold to Deji," or "Deji bought Laura" but seeing that will stir another pathway I just use the term married!
It's buying and selling, not bride pricing system. It was this morning I thought of writing to an imaginary Imo State crush, "This could be us, but your bride price is 2million Naira, you know how much that will bring if I invest it in a good business?"
But then, what do I sabi? Stereotypes and Patriarchy feels they are the custodian of truth. I laugh them in Swahili, I need that book Walahitalahi
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