Don't call me that!

In Afrikaans, when addressing a person who is a few years older than yourself, it is respectful to add “oom” or “tannie” in front of the person’s name. The former literally means “uncle” and the latter “auntie”, but the terms are used for family and non-family members alike. Its not set in stone, but the descent thing to say. Entering your twenties coincides with gaining the prefix, usually from small children (who regard anyone older than 10 as ancient anyway). So far, I have rather successfully avoided being called oom. Except on two occasions. On both of these occasions the children weren’t the culprits: it was their mothers. The first time was when my cousin introduced me to her eldest son. The error was soon corrected and I am now “Mommy’s Nephew” (doesn’t quite roll off the tongue, but I like it). Today was second occurrence. This, however, was no 3-year-old, but a girl who must be quite far in primary school already. In any case, I am not 10 years her senior, so I’m still not comfortable to be an oom. When I was younger I held the belief anyone who is five or more years older than you is an oom. My brother is eight and a half years older than me, so scratch that.

Its just weird, that’s all. Perhaps that doesn’t justify me ranting about it, but an oom is a person who deserves respect because he holds years’ of experience, knowledge and wisdom above you. When you are a teenager, a person of 30 or 40 is an oom or a tannie. When you are 30 or 40, a person of 60 or 70 is an oom or a tannie. The divide is a generational one. And a psychological one. I’m not an oom yet. Even to a toddler.

It is strange for a man to take notice of such things. The protestors are usually women in their mid or late 20’s who desperately try to relinquish the title of tannie. I just don’t see me as that old. Its just weird. Perhaps its just time to accept that my generation has progressed to a new age. Meh.

Today I threw all caution and sense to the wind and went out to buy myself a new toy: the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z2! After a brief period of research I convinced myself that this camera would be perfect for me (for the next couple of years, at least). Whether I can afford it or not is still debateable; well see when its time to pay my tuition ;-). I was planning on buying it next year, but a special offer and a blitz mental indaba convinced me to take action now. Now I have a shiny new camera to keep me occupied and away from studying for those pesky impending tests (o-oh why me!?)! I’ll be looking forward to trying it out after the tests and when I find a subject matter more interesting than the cat (I mean no offence, Borrie, but I already have many pictures of you).

I shall again rise and reclaim my lost title of photographer in stead of subject! Muwahaha!