The Jamaica Star :: Commentary :: Why should men pay more?

Jackass sey de worl' no level. Jackass sey im put a fia pon did business bout ooman fe pay less dan man fe go a party.

Jackass had been thinking about it for a while, but the report on the weekend's 'Honey' party at the Pantry, which was carried in yesterday's STAR, really got him braying about this matter. Y'see, Jackass has been looking at the party prices (But tap! If so much jackass a sing and a put on party, de real Jackhass roun' ere no can plan fe go daggarin' too?) and seeing this thing about women paying less than men for some years now.

Cinderella

But it gets even more unlevel. Sometimes the women go in free! For those who missed yesterday's story, it read:

"Like Cinderella leaving the ball, female patrons tried to race the clock to get into the New Kingston venue before it was midnight. Though a large group of men surrounded the gate, making it barely visible, they made way for the women who wanted to make full use of the 'ladies free before midnight' offer. As the clock struck midnight, the gates were closed and people on the outside had to wait several minutes before they were allowed to enter".

And who were the 'people' outside? Of course, mostly the men who allowed the women free passage in the first place! And it gets worse; the story continues:

"Inside, the largely female crowd rocked to the early '90s music being played by Nemesis International selectors. They danced, but mainly by themselves as they seemed to outnumber the men at a ratio of five to one".

Five to one! Did someone say "if you see de rooster running, 60 sexy chickens chasing him"? Did someone say "21 girl salute"? Did someone say - but hey, the girls were dancing mostly by themselves!

Overcharge

So why should men pay for women and not get a 'dagga' or two for their troubles? Because, trust Jackass, the women who enter a party for nothing or a lower price than the men are paid for in full and more by the men. Check it. You think the party promoters are idiots? They plan to make money so what do they do? Charge lower or nothing for the women and overcharge the men.

It is like when people steal utilities. Do you really, really think that the company just absorbs the loss for all those illegal connections? How come you think that your bills are so high, even with oil prices going up, up and away? Nah man. Imagine an extra meter or two on your meter, constantly running, and you are closer to the real situation.

'Protection' money

And do you really, really think that the business people who are paying the extortionists pay out of their own pockets? Hell no! They hand over the 'protection' money then just put a dollar or two on everything they sell. Simple thing.

There is another unlevel thing in all of this. Why should women pay less than men in the first place? After all, is this not the age of gender equality, of strong women, of women who can do anything? Then why can't they pay their way in full, just like the men?

And most times they go out and dance in packs anyway.

Jackass sey de worl' no level. Jackass sey if a man marginalise a dem shoulda ave less money fe pay fe go eena seshan!