The Psychology of Wellingtons

Prince Harry is currently in Lesotho, a tiny landlocked African Kingdom within South Africa.

He seems a nice big lad does Harry. A mere 20 and he is already is involved in AIDS work. He likes getting right in amongst it. He was on TV playing football with a group of Lesotho children. The smallest aged 3 or 4 had come into the world infected with the deadly virus. Harry gave him a pair of blue Wellingtons, and like the producer and camera crew was surprised and amused when the wee one wouldn’t take them off.

I wasn’t at all surprised. Nor amused. I was angry. The per capita income of Lesotho is $3 000, while in the USA its $37 800. Per capita income in the UK is $27 000.

The USA is the second richest economy in the world after Luxembourg, Britain 19th, and Lesotho 151st (http://www.worldfactsandfigures.com/gdp_country_desc.php).

A pair of wellies is a big thing in Lesotho. Shoes, even cheap Wellingtons have the same status value for a Lesotho child, as a mobile phone for our children has here. This child’s self-esteem will rise because of this. His self-respect will soar as a result of the respect now given him by his peers because of his gift. He will cherish them for years, becoming frustrated when his feet grow too big to fit into them! They will then become a household object to be brought out and admired when guests come calling. As much the same way someone might show off an honour they received in Britain. The child for as long as he lives will be feted. His blue Wellingtons a memorial to him when he is gone.