The Editor, Sir:
The executive committee of the Jamaica Association of Social Workers (JASW) joins all well thinking citizens in expressing our alarm and outrage at the recent excess of violence and anarchic conduct with the attack on the police. We also condemn the frightening episodes of sexual abuse and murder of young children. We support all possible efforts within the law to control such acts and to apprehend and punish the offenders as a deterrent to others
We stand with others in urging that full attention be given to identifying and addressing all possible causes and submit that, along with the serious issues of poverty, mal-distribution of wealth, weak family structures and parenting practices as well as the scourge of drug-related activities, a major factor is concern with the very negative values and attitudes which are freely fostered and promoted.
We underscore the frequent references made to the lyrics condoning violence and containing profanity in some of our popular music and other forms of entertainment. We note too the form and substance of some advertisements. These all serve as strong socialising influences which have major impact on the behavioural patterns of our young people in particular, and more so when promoted by the popular media.
social disorder
We endorse the recent comments of a Deputy Commis-
sioner of Police in identifying the contribution to social disorder which result from loud music played at all hours of night, which few dare to protest. (This obtains even in our university halls of residence!).
We encourage the churches, civic bodies and other community organisations to be even stronger in their sanctions against such anti-social behaviour and support the programmes they have initiated to promote positive values and attitudes.
We welcome the steps taken by commercial sponsors of
popular entertainment to exercise economic sanctions by withdrawing support from programmes with violent and
profane content.
We call on the State to take the all important step of exercising legal sanctions against performance in public places or via the public media of material conveying 'messages' that condone violence and popularise vulgarity.
While not seeking to advocate a repressive social order, JASW contends that there has to be a common acceptance of what sustains a morally and socially healthy society and of fostering the attendant desirable attitudes and positive values.
I am, etc.
JOHN A MAXWELL
President, on behalf of the
Executive Committee of
JASW
