Literature Provides Key To Puffy Eye Syndrome.
Monday, April 27th, 2009Post-colonial writings are full of interesting observations that reveal attitudes and perceptions of the those times in east africa.
I was mildly amused by some of the descriptions used to characterize the appearance of certain types of individuals. For example, one writing described a man from Kenya as a “mombutzi.” I searched and it meant man with puffy eyes.
It seems that environmental conditions, including the presence of some allergens, caused East African males to suffer greatly from the effects and often these conditions were manifest through swollen, red eyes.
I guess those writing in post-colonial East Africa were just as interested in commenting on one’s appearnace as some of today’s magzines. Poor mombutzi.