Shoveling Snow A Status Symbol

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Pic: Nonqaba waka Msimang.

While snow shoveling is an alien concept in Africa, Caribbean and most Pacific Islands, it is common in Europe, Canada and some parts of the U.S.

However, it is a status symbol.  It denotes home ownership. Yes, some students and other temporary residents that prefer to rent stand-alone houses instead of apartments, also shovel snow.

Radio hosts and T.V. anchors lyrically compare notes on the amount that fell on their driveways. The internet has cute videos of kids helping mum and dad shovel.

Snow shoveling is an unconscious admission that you are financially stable. That is why the bank gave you a loan to buy a house with a driveway. How about condo owners? Some bought them to avoid it.

Snow shoveling might bring back sad memories for some condo owners, older Canadians and Americans in particular. It is a back breaking exercise that requires premium health.

Aging gnaws health. That’s why some senior citizens sell their homes and opt for maintenance-free living like condo buildings. Snow shoveling becomes part of the past, when they were financially fit and able-bodied.

By: Nonqaba waka Msimang. 

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