Packaging in all its ramifications has a product at the heart of its definition. It seeks to protect or sell a product, as it pre-supposes that the product inside the package has value. There is the other ‘new’ ‘definition’ and understanding of packaging and this has a pejorative connotation. This new definition seems to be interested only in the outer perception with limited value in the inner.
God looks at the heart while most men look at appearances. Appearances mask hidden truth.
This article speaks though the ages to and about all peoples in various climes and at various epochs, transcending age brackets, status, creeds and positions.
‘Packaging’ as a word is closely associated with being deceitful, misleading and manipulating. Packaging appeals to one’s senses. It titillates the sexual, amorous and social senses.
The real question here is: what is being packaged and padded?
In essence, it is nothing. Emptiness and nothingness is being sold. The package is empty. Packaging shouts. It draws attention. It seems to captivate, dominate and control. It is illusory, imaginative and sets one on fire. It has no real value. It lives for the moment.
Packaging does not ask questions. It abhors investigations and analysis. It constantly seeks acceptance. It loses its appeal when opened. Packaging has no value or sustainability. It is afraid and frightened of real conversation and examination. Packaging seeks to always present a false picture and a façade to influence opinion, gain advantage and seek a position of trust. It is never satisfied. It is extremely selfish and devilish. It is self-worship, narcissistic, weak, lame, and insipid. It glorifies self while continuously seeking social approval.
The billion-dollar cosmetic industry is the driver, ably complemented by the television and movie industry in close partnership with the media. Dangerous institutions who for want of money decide how a man/woman should look, amplify body parts, strike up imageries, change looks and shapes. They decide what is trendy and in vogue, discuss it, label it, beautify it, sell it and dress it up.
The world of Sports, the Broadcasters and Models are agents and apostles of packaging. The Scientific world of medicine with special reference to plastic surgery is the greatest agent of modeling and re-modeling body shapes and parts, cutting up bodies, fitting eye lashes, lips, cheeks, adding breast, buttocks etc.
There is the story of a certain middle aged woman who had a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital. On the operating table, she had a near-death experience and after her conversation with God, she was told she had another forty-three years, two months and eight days to live.
Upon recovery, she decided to stay in the hospital and have a face-lift, liposuction, a tummy tuck and the whole works including asking a stylist to come change her hair color.
She was discharged after the final procedure; however, while crossing the road she was killed by a speeding ambulance.
Arriving in God’s presence, she fumed, “l thought you said l had another forty-plus years.” God replied, “l didn’t recognize you.”
Moral: Be real. Be natural. Be who God created you to be. Be modest and content. You are who God say you are. You have been made beautiful and wonderful. God did not create anything ugly. God has made all things well. Rest in what God has done for you. He created you for a purpose so be happy and remain thankful.
Olisa Egwuatu
Editor- in- Chief
Olisa Egwuatu,a writer, Sports manager, Consultant and Youth Coach lives in Lagos.He is a Founding Trustee and CEO of Howzat Foundation for Cricket based in Lagos.
An alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
