THE EDITOR, Sir:
WITH LIMITED time in presenting, 'Sexual Maturity and Leadership' at the Men on a Mission Conference last Saturday, I was unable to conclude with offering the major points of the topic and the direction in which we Jamaican men must move. Our major problem is our gender identity, how we see ourselves, and our gender role, which is the collection of attitudes and behaviour that are considered normal and appropriate.
With too much focus on what the American Psychological Association's statements on sexual orientation are, we were never able to hear nor discuss possible suggestions. I now offer my unvoiced conclusions of that presentation.
I feel we Jamaican men must:
Claim gentlemanly behaviour as a norm.
Claim chivalry as a virtue.
Understand our 'anima' and feeling manly in expressing it.
Understand our sexuality and its complexity.
Develop a proper gender role behaviour, including our affective side.
Understand sexual expression without sexual intercourse.
Understand chastity as 'virtuous', 'decent', 'free from obscenity', 'pure' and 'clean' when living out one's sexual expression.
This is my prayer for the future of our Jamaican men. I ask for your prayers too.
I am, etc.,
MARTIN J. SCHADE
mjs@infochan.com
Mothers too young
