In 2006, the literati and celebrities were snubbed by
Time magazine, famous for picking the Person Of The Year – a powerful individual who influenced the world for better or worse. The usual suspects (the Steve Jobses, Barack Obamas and Oprahs of this world) didn't make the cover. Instead, the game-changer was an unassuming and long-overlooked individual. You. Yes, you.
'Me?' you might wonder, doing a mental audit of your achievements, which don't include fixing global warming, designing a poverty-free economic model or inventing high-heeled shoes with detachable soles. To answer your why-me question, the magazine recognised your contribution to YouTube, Facebook and countless other websites that feature user contributions. So, congratulations to You.
I was reminded of the power of You when I jetted off to New York to visit the headquarters of COSMO. I took care in packing my suitcase, got really good hair and even practised a few clever icebreaker lines in the mirror. After all, I thought, it was about me - me the editor, me and my work experience, me and my thoughts on publishing, me and my ideas. Me, mina, nna, ek.
Not so much. Large parts of the conversation with the big bosses were hijacked by You. They asked after You, were inspired by Your growth in a country that once didn't favour diversity or democracy, wanted to know more about where You were going, and what You were talking and dreaming about.
I was grateful for the refresher on who actually matters in this world. It's quite easy for people who have been given the honour to serve to think it's all about them. You've experienced it: the shop girl who tells you about her likes instead of assisting you, the public servant who's interested in going on a tea break and not in directing you to the appropriate office….
At COSMO, we - the team and myself - pledge to continue to put You first. It's not easy to please a woman who is smart, ambitious and generous, but we're up to the task of not disappointing. With You in mind, we have some tweaks coming. In the meantime, here's to the Year Of You – a year in which You are the main attraction, our rock star and number one.
Love You,
Sbu Mpungose
PS: Please tell me about your plans, dreams and anything that's on your mind in 2012 - e-mail
cosmo-ed@assocmags.co.za.