THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT IS a most refreshing thing to drive by Emancipation Park in New Kingston and to be able to cast my eyes upon the most regal representation of a people emancipated.
Laura Facey-Cooper has done us proud in conceptualising this work of art. My congratulations to her. Such perfection in the representation of the Negro form is indeed remarkable.
It is not, however, such a refreshing thing to read and to listen to brothers and sisters who belittle, criticise and fail to appreciate the message being conveyed.
Bob Marley's music, 'Redemption Song', which is represented here, has not accomplished its message in many quarters. We have yet to emancipate ourselves from the mental slavery that makes us think of nudity (male?) as wrong. Not even in this fundamental aspect of our evolution are we prepared to be tolerant and reflective.
What makes us uncomfortable with male nudity? Clearly we are not truly bothered by the sister standing there!
I am totally emancipated on this issue. When my sisters start referring to the image's penis as the phallus, and to state that it is not in our culture to expose it, one can't help but wonder at our hypocrisy. Many of our sons are encouraged to whip their phalli out so fast when there is "tail" around that it is just as well they remain exposed!
Let us, men and women alike, accept that Mandingo and his mate are with us to stay as a symbol of who we are, where we are, and a reconciliation of the process by which we got here. They should embody our aspirations in form and spirit as Pride, Poise, Regal superiority are clearly demonstrated.
I am etc.,
SANDRA DONALDSON
E-mail: allied@cwjamaica.com
