THE EDITOR, Sir:
I had a very interesting experience on the 28th of October 2002 that I would like to share with the citizens of my country. I am a freshman attending college. The first thing I realised when I came here was that I was instantly welcomed with open arms by everyone because I was Jamaican. As time passed, I realised what they expected a Jamaican to be; after a few inquiries I was asked if I was a member of the bobsled team and if I had brought any ganja with me. Today something new was added to this list in the wake of the US sniper killings.
In the morning I went into a lounge where students were watching the latest news that Lee Malvo was the gunman in at least one shooting and I overheard someone say that the Jamaicans should go back to their 'little country' where criminals can live together. Then I went into a bookstore and saw on the cover of the magazine U.S News the word "MONSTERS" in relation to the two snipers.
This bothered me as a Jamaican and as an ambassador of my country. Let us not yield to the ignorant American media that has bombarded the minds of millions that Jamaica is a place full of criminals and monsters. Strength and determination have got to be the cement in the process of building national pride. Yes, the United States have undergone terrible unpleasantness but to exploit a nation as they have done is not acceptable. There needs to be respect and an attempt by all to have solid detail of people's story and experience, and in the process we can dispose finally of the offensive generality of labels like ' the Jamaican,' " the Yardie," and then we shall all realise that "there is no such thing as a little country.
The greatness of a people is no more determined by their number than the greatness of a man is determined by his height.
I am, etc.,
ALEXIS GOFFE
agoffe@macalester.edu
St. Paul
Minnesota, USA
Via Go-Jamaica
