THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE TERM 'ghetto' is being used without any sense of exactness. Some people define the ghetto as a rundown area with social and economic problems. There are others who define the ghetto as a place inhabited by those citizens who are at the lowest class stratum, and for most persons the ghetto is a place for the illiterate, indecent and criminal-minded.
The 'ghetto' concept should be revisited and redefined. The structure of the ghetto is changing and like Dr. Martin Luther King stated, "We are sleeping through a revolution." Some of the places being classified as 'ghetto' are now beautified with 'blocked' fences and up to date infrastructures. Social and economic problems are no longer unique to the so-called ghetto but have become hallmarks of the entire society.
It is a truism that there are persons who reside in these virtually condemned areas who, based on their social roles and relationships, have status which elevates them from the depth of the lowest stratum of the social class.
More people from the ghetto are now being enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programmes. High school graduates from the ghetto are on par with those from the other areas, in terms of academics.
When all is said and done, it is wise to examine the gap, which characterised the difference between the ghetto and the other areas. Recognise the gradual closing of this gap. This undoubtedly calls for a redefinition, or elimination, of the ghetto concept. What will the new definition be?
I am, etc.,
CANUTE WHITE
kenia@anngel.com.jm
Kingston 11
Via Go-Jamaica
