THE EDITOR, Sir:
OVER THE past few weeks I have seen and read several disturbing articles in our publications surrounding the issue of homosexuality in Jamaica. It would appear that the newly appointed scapegoat in this drama is Beenieman; 'same story, different deejay.' Now the hottest item on the agenda is how the dress code of human beings attract, provoke and entice others to yield to their dark temptations, who, under 'properly clothed' circumstances, would refrain from acting out in such 'devious' ways that would include acts of rape and homosexuality.
Once again, it would appear that we've either missed the mark of what really lies at the root of these issues or we are operating from our default mode, which is to react, rather than respond to these issues. On the afternoon of August 9 as I read the Observer's article: 'Blair blasts youth fashion, says skimpy dresses, sagging pants invite rapists, gays,' I was flabbergasted. There is a saying that ignorance is bliss. To this I add, [ignorance] is blissfully stupid and frightfully dangerous.
I was pleased to later see several factions within the Jamaican society respond to this [article] and hold Bishop Blair accountable not so much for what he may or may not have said but more so for the underlying implications.
To state that a woman's choice of fashion is the cause of her being raped is preposterous and insulting as it entirely absolves the man of any responsibility for his lewd actions. And then to add a reference from the 'dancehall to the pulpit' the two platforms that serve as the most influential within our society, casting judgement on homosexuality and female attire serves only as a mis-use of power.
I am, etc.,
NADINE MCNEIL
nads@xs4all.nl
Den Haag
The Netherlands
