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The Importance of Beauty A View on the 2010 World Cup

Its been hard to ignore the fact that theres a World Cup happening in our backyard at the moment. Its been something weve been building (literally and emotionally) towards for the last several years, with equal doses of pessimism and excitement. Im looking forward to seeing the long-term benefits to our economy and nation, as the rest of the world has a chance to see what a truly amazing place South Africa is. The truth is, once youve lived here, its hard to be happy anywhere else.

Flag Wrapped Tree outside the Africa Art Centre on Florida Road

Huge amounts of money have been spent on things like building brand new stadiums, fixing infrastructure that wasnt too bad before, and tidying beaches, parks and other public places. None of which would and should probably be a high priority in a country, where there is such an extreme between rich and poor. Where the AIDS epidemic has effected almost everyone to some degree, and where many essentials are spoken of as priorities, but are in actuality, neglected.

But honestly, Im not sure that Im unhappy that money has been spent on these "superficial" things. You cant deny the effect that this World Cup has had on uniting a nation obsessed with pointing at our differences, rather than celebrating what makes us unique.

Natal Mahogany wrapped with South African Flag for the World Cup

The money that has been spent on revamping our Durban beachfront, or creating parks where there were empty lots before, or planting trees to beautify the neighbourhoods, would never have been spent on these less important things. Sadly, creating beauty is seen as unimportant in our needy world.

But beauty is what inspires us, its what takes our minds off of the mundane. Beauty affects our emotions, and perceptions. It changes the way we feel about ourselves. Im not advocating choosing something pretty over buying food to eat. But if were not looking, we might miss the fact that the beautiful doesnt always have to be sacrificed to the practical.

Wrapped Trees lining the streets of Durban for 2010

Very often, beauty doesnt have to even be costly. Sometimes, it just needs a different perspective, new eyes, or the desire to appreciate.