It’s hard to believe that anyone would shell out over ETB100,000 for a dinner in Ethiopia, yet a friend assured me that a work dinner at the priciest restaurant in Addis Ababa could indeed reach a staggering ETB700,000 Just a few weeks ago, I was taken aback when I stumbled upon video showcasing women spending ETB80,000 at that very same establishment, which I had already considered quite extravagant.
A commenter posed a thought-provoking question: why do Ethiopians seem to romanticize poverty? This sparked a wave of introspection within me, prompting me to wonder if that perception holds any truth. Is it rooted in our discomfort in seeing others enjoying wealth that feels out of reach? Or perhaps it stems from unease with the idea of our own standards being raised? As I delved deeper into this topic, I encountered another similar remark, leading me to ponder the very essence of what it means to romanticize poverty. What does that concept truly entail?
The idea of romanticizing poverty is intricate and often met with skepticism or even contempt. How can anyone perceive beauty or charm in a life filled with struggle and scarcity? Nevertheless, history reveals a persistent intrigue with the notion of a simpler existence, suggesting that a life unburdened by material wealth and societal expectations can be more rewarding than one defined by affluence and prestige.
One factor contributing to this romantic view is the fascination with the unfamiliar. In a world overflowing with constant distractions and limitless options, the thought of embracing a more straightforward lifestyle can be profoundly enticing. The tranquility that comes from a life devoid of the complications of contemporary society offers a rare sense of calm that often feels out of reach amid the chaos of daily routines.
The glorification of poverty can be interpreted as a form of resistance against the overwhelming consumerism that pervades our culture. In a society where success and fulfillment are frequently measured by material wealth, choosing to forgo these societal norms in favor of a more minimalist existence can be viewed as a bold statement of independence. It conveys the message that true happiness does not hinge on possessions.
While I find it hard to justify spending a significant amount on a meal that may only satisfy for half an hour, many individuals prioritize the overall experience over the actual food. For some, it's a way to showcase their status, while others seek a dining experience that aligns with their social standing. What could be more indicative of sophistication than indulging in an extravagant meal? It's hard to imagine anyone genuinely preferring to sleep on the streets during a downpour rather than snuggling up in a warm, comfortable bed. The thought of scavenging for leftovers instead of indulging in a delightful meal is hardly appealing, nor is the idea of donning tattered clothing when one has the means to wear clean, well-fitting attire.
In fact, there is little to romanticize about poverty, particularly in developing nations like Ethiopia. No one I know would willingly choose a life of hardship; poverty is not a lifestyle anyone aspires to. There is a significant distinction between being impoverished and merely living with the essentials while embracing a minimalist approach to life.
It's not merely jealousy that others feel when seeing the rich spend that much; rather, it's the challenge of comprehending how someone can spend extravagantly when so many struggle to afford basic meals. The stark contrast is evident when you realize that just a stone's throw away from that shiny new car, there are individuals in desperate need, begging for help. Yet, we often fall into hypocrisy ourselves, criticizing the wealthy for their lavish lifestyles while the so-called middle class frequently splurges on meals that cost a minimum of a thousand birr, like tire siga or tibis. While one might argue that spending ETB700,000 birr is vastly different from a middle-class person's ETB1,000 birr, the underlying issue is what those funds could have provided for those in dire circumstances. A thousand birr may seem trivial and insignificant in today's world, but for someone living on the streets, it could mean sustenance for several days.