THE EDITOR, Sir:
I HAD an occasion recently to visit a hospital as part of my routine medical check-ups. When I was called in to see the surgeon, I was taken aback by the small and diminutive stature of this medical professional. Right away in my mind I believed, albeit rather fleetingly, that he was not suitably qualified to do his job.
While I thought about this my initial reaction, I also reflected on how I reacted in the past to the 'little boy' policeman and 'little girl' policewoman whom I had to deal with in the recent past involving a case of battery and attempted rape. I recall the soft, calm, naive, and innocent sounding voice the constable had who could hardly have been more than 4 feet tall, 120 lbs.
This same officer seemed so innocent, was so small, that I felt we were, as a society, heartless when we sent such obviously fragile babies to go and serve brutish and indisciplined population as cops. There is also the feeling in my mind that I would not like to be a principal now at a school where I had to employ staff.
Mr. Editor, I believe that the present size or lack thereof of some of our teachers in the schools also contributes to the lack of respect that is now permeating the schools.
It is my fervent belief that most employers who are employing people to work in these crucial, and sensitive jobs where the respect for this authority figure can either help or hinder the effective execution of the job must be more than interested in qualifications alone.
Certainly, without a doubt, I would like to see someone who claims to be in authority, look the part. That is to say, I have a prejudice of bigger is better, as size deficit and deficiency can lead to disrespect and dishonour.
I am, etc.,
DAROLYN HENRY
Guanaboavale P.O.
St. Catherine
