Affordances

Affordances  ask s the question ‘What is the likely outcome of this activity’?

Today the dishes were awaiting us from the night before. Of course, we were watching world cup rugby so our usual routine “went out the window” so to speak, when I went to get breakfast for us I decided to ignore them..  After breakfast we went off for a walk and when we got back to the house those dishes were still there!  The dish fairy still had not done them so alas it was up to us to tackle them ourselves.  We both know our positions at the sink.  Him in the sink and me on the “end of a dish towel”.  That used to be a well-used phrase by my mother during my formative years, “Hey while you are standing there, get on the end of a dish towel”, funny what you remember while standing at the sink. 

I think people generally complain when doing the dishes, but it can be a great communicative time.  This very ordinary activity can be very holistic and therapeutic.  A time to share secrets, talk about problems, have arguements, go through the emotions of laughter, crying, anger, and joy.  Everybody has their own way of doing this activity, love it or hate it we put our individual stamp on it.  This could be the way we go about starting the activity.  Some choose to have really hot water, others like lots of detergent.  Some like using dishcloths; others may prefer a dish brush.  Some may wash the cutlery first, others the glassware.  We are individual in our work.  I like this quote “Labour can grind you down with the never-ending cycle of tasks which have to be done over and over, there can be tremendous injustice to it” (Klein, 2000, n.p).

Communication – a time to talk, counsel, argue, make plans, sing, cry or laugh

 I remember a time at our other house, before we had a dishwasher when washing up was the children’s’ jobs.  The conversations we used to have been wonderful.  There were no arguments; they both knew who turn it was to wash or dry is.  We would hear about their day, they would ask advice; it was a true family bonding time.  The youngest child used to stand on a low stool to reach the bench.  He was very serious about his job. 

Moral Properties – good and bad aspects

I guess when taking into account the good and bad aspects of washing up; a chore that has to be done.  Once done you can then get on with the business of living, getting on with other duties necessary around the house or in my case study.  We teach our children how to wash dishes and they will teach theirs.  It is something that is necessary in the day-to-day running of a household.  If you do not wash the dishes there are consequences, you will eventually run out of plates and cutlery.

Action Properties – what’s the story?
Looking back I realise those early days of washing up with the kids was a time to bond, be a role model, teach and learn, pass on stories from our family and lay foundations for new memories for them to think about just as I have now.


image retrieved from http://www.google.co.nz

References: Klein, N. (2000). No logo: Taking aim at brand bullies. Canada: Knopf.