Who sets the standards?
published: Saturday | January 28, 2006

THE EDITOR, Sir:

DON ROBOTHAM'S incisive piece on the hijacking of the political scene by the lumpen is worthy of note by well-thinking Jamaicans. The lumpens' main characteristic, according to Robotham, is, "they are here to rip off the state and the society to the max. Extortion, intimidation and chicanery of every description are their modus operandi. They know no other".

Mr. Robotham posits the view that the participation of the stable social groups is crucial to an open democratic Jamaica. Robotham claims that "it is the withdrawal of these groups that has led to our present political crisis".

SOCIETAL VALUES

I have always felt that the abdication of the Jamaican middle-class as the guardian of societal values has been a major factor in our descent into barbarism. We must be one of the few societies where "the rude and the crass" set the standards that we live by. Visit any function, tune in to any number of local radio stations and the assault by the vulgar and cheap becomes an acceptable mode of conduct. We celebrate in songs and dance the criminal over his victim. The 'Money O' mentality cheapens our relationship and subverts our traditional modesty. Robotham's article deepens the debate on whether we are a failed state and if so, what are the reasons for its failure.

I am, etc.,

PETER CLARKE

Watson Avenue

Kingston