THE EDITOR, Sir:
FOR THE past couple of weeks one of the most prominent issues in the media, on the news and on the lips of persons in the society, has been the violence in our schools.
There has always been violence in our schools but of different proportions. I remember going to school in the country. Yes we had our 'gangs' made up of schoolmates from the different districts. Almost every evening there was a fight when we reached the intersections of districts. There was always the 'set on' with the little stone in hand calling "Hot patty, baddest one, box out and touch." Whoever felt the most confident or had the most support would box the stone out and then touch his opponent and the fight started.
These fights were fought with fists, sticks and stone. There was bound to be some sort of punishment for these fights but this did not deter the fighters', as there was always retaliation. ("If get beaten today, mi a beat her tomorrow.")
There was fear and respect for parents, teachers and the police when we were growing up. It stands to reason, that things and times have changed, but when did it all begin.
- Did it begin when the parents started to migrate and our kids became 'barrel kids?' Growing up with grandmother who could not control them?
n Did it begin when the man down the road could not scold the child from up the road any more?
n Did it begin when the teachers lost interest in their jobs as caregivers and the backbone of the nation, no longer being committed to the achievements of their students? (Just earning a meagre salary).
n Did it begin when the police lost respect for their elders and juniors alike? When the police began thinking that the wearing of the government uniform gives them the right to do and say anything to 'John Public?'
n Or did it begin when we stopped caring for our brothers and sisters?
These are all factors that can contribute to the downfall of our society.
I am, etc.,
LINETTE BAILEY
Kingston 4
