THE EDITOR, Sir:
KINDLY ALLOW me the space to share my view on the Jamaican male. Over the years the changing face of Jamaica can be attributed to one sex, the male. No longer are men taking responsibility for their actions as all problems can now be linked to genetic deficiencies or societal prejudices.
The Jamaican male, once a proud and noble individual has allowed the need for immediate wealth and proof of extreme sexual prowess to slowly destroy what he has sought to build on since emancipation, brotherly love. The lack of personal discipline and the need to look abroad for solutions to his own problems has rendered him almost impotent. The failure to capitalise on the foundation that was laid for him by his forefathers has caught him off guard and unable to recover from his mistakes.
TOO BUSY
No longer does he see himself as able to lead as he is too busy being in a 'crew', which often is more concerned with following than leading. His days as the pinnacle of his family are numbered as he has chosen to dispose of his paternal instinct as a father and role model to hang with the brethren. He now hands the responsibility of raising his offspring to the television, gifts or psychologists and experts who tell him what is right or wrong. To be the 'big man' or the 'don' is his goal, so what does he take a chance on? Violence, drugs, or both whichever best fits his style.
He now moves as a shady character who opts for the 'wrongs' as little or no hard work brings rewards greater than honest living. Does he care that he is slowly poisoning those around him and even himself? No, because the 'ice' that freezes him has numbed him to the pain of his children or those that need him most.
FUTURE
With all these responsibilities off his shoulder, what does his future hold? A slow but certain demise, one where he will find himself wondering where is his place in the scheme of life.
However, it is not too late for him to save himself and by doing so those around him. How? Simply re-examine himself, take a look into the past and see what he should be, rediscover, what it is to be a good leader, role model or father. Take back what he has chosen to give up and make them work the way they should have before. If not, the end is not very far for him. How do I know? I too am a Jamaican male.
I am, etc.,
TYREL DAVIS
rastapilot320@hotmail.com
