Lol! What an opener for such a topic at being ready to be sold? thanks for the insight - in particular explaining away that sesotho word less I'd been inclined at first glance to think an illness of some kind was being discussed...
True, most practices be them religious or cultural appear to have been hijacked to be exploited by the commercialization umbrella. This is made worse when the over-riding factor is that of selfish greed which appears to be globally pandemic. Tracing this greed element can take one as far back as one cares to imagine and sadly isn't just limited to this practice of bride-price. The double standards which are most often the order of the day, are relied upon to be the only way forward - if one dares to go against them, they face ridicule if not castigation. Stories are many of girls coming to their parents to introduce their intended and the first question they get has nothing to do with the character of the person their child is planning to set up house with. Those of you that haven't read Eunice's article on the Bagwere culture, http://www.ugpulse.com/articles/daily/Heritage.asp?id=608 have only to see this echoed...
Increasingly - persons only look to exploit what works to their benefit be it in traditional cultures, politics or religion. Educating persons so that they hold responsibility and accountability for their lives might be one form of a way forward...
"Worrying is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere."