THE EDITOR, Sir:
Re: Children are taught by example (May 19, 2006).
I AM disappointed that the writer of the above captioned letter should have made such statements about Jamaican mothers condoning what some of their children are doing. Why would someone, who claims to be so intelligent, make this type of statement about Jamaican mothers?
Does this writer think all Italians are members of the Mafia? They are not, so why is it that all Jamaican mothers are taking drug money from their children in Toronto? Why would someone sit and judge a whole community because of the actions of a few bad ones?
This writer went on to say that children are taught by example, that it is OK to be covetous, to steal and harm those who seem to have more.
I sense that the writer is in so much pain that he or she is trying to put the blame on one particular community.
PRIMARY MODELS
I know many Jamaican mothers who know that whether they like it or not they serve as primary models for their children. They also know that their words and actions in response to life's challenges cannot help but affect their children.
Some Jamaican mothers know that they should not try to control their children, but through their courage to change their words and actions they can guide and teach their children, and with these qualities they know that they serve as a models of resilience and hope for their children.
Some are not as aware as others, but with time they will learn to be a good examples for their children. We should not judge them, but try to help them because some of them are living out the lessons taught to them by their parents.
I am, etc.,
JOI HYDE
joanielovesgreen@yahoo.com
Toronto, Canada
