Poem: Jump into a Time Machine

By: Natasha Aidoo

I look at the tv screen

with

anger and frustration.

Is it still like this?

Representation

in media?

Of me and you?

Gender roles for consumption,

popcorn on the side,

while injustice and inequality

 are on the background.

Enjoy the show, laughters on the way.

The distorted reality that molds

our reality with such 

powerful

force.

Under the radar,

under-rated 

and accustomed to.

Lurking in the shadows,

status quo

holds its grip.

Patriarchy, what a word!

What a world, it has created!

Where me and you find it hard 

to be free

to simply be.

And yet we fight.

Where models, paradigms and types

are so normal, standard, accepted.

You don't believe me?

You don't see my point?

Ok, let's see if this works.

Take a look at your beloved tv screen.

Pay attention to the ads. 

They're so many,

They're so repetitive,

They go on

and on

and on

and on

and on

and on.

Time travel at its best.

Today or the 20th century?

She appears to focus on her figure,

balancing home and work,

being an everpresent loving mother

running against time

with a constant smile.

Isn't she tired? I ask.

No, they answer. 

She can't be. The clock keeps ticking.

Especially for HER.

She does it all. She must.

Why?

Is he portrayed in a correct way, you ask, I don't quite agree.

Cars, functional products, alcohol, sports

as the only elements in his life.

Speed, efficiency 

and recognized forms of enjoyment.

Where is the run against time? 

Where is the option of an aware fatherhood? 

Is taking care of domestic activities, 

except for repairs and furniture building,

out of the picture?

Where is the freedom to express oneself 

in many, many, many 

different diverse delicate ways?

He looks unbothered, in charge and determined.

He can't be, otherwise he wouldn't be a MAN.

He just wouldn't.

Or would he?

It's me and you,

trying to make the most

of this scary 

and never-ceasing-to-amaze 

ride called life.

Constraints, categories, roles

to be challenged

to be reviewed and renewed.

For our sake. 

For the sake of those who come

after us.

Changing perspective 

doesn't come easy.

But giving it a go

is the first step.

Gradually

what has been so normal

will feel so rigid.

Envision the future

in the present.

I can.

You can too.