THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE APPOINTMENT of a female as principal of St. George's College has spurred discomfort among some of its stakeholders, and by extension, triggers the voice of at least one gender lobby group. As the debate continues, gender-based concerns, for some persons, become obvious. Now, it's clear that the fear surrounds the fact that a woman will be the head of a relatively all-male school.
It is no doubt that there is a level of shortsightedness in regard to the ability of Jamaican women to perform on par with, or above, the capabilities of most men in the society. In effect, women must be given the chance to achieve based on meritocracy and not be pushed aside based on gender, and perhaps, personal issues, or in regard to the notion that' "Only man can rule boys."
When one speaks of the strength of a man, it's perceived from the perspective of physical ability, but the strength of a woman is often perceived from the perspective of emotional stability and, to some extent, assertiveness and self focused attitude. With this in mind, which is the best 'strength' for the psychology of boys? Women, too, can rule boys.
In addition to the increasing academic competence of women, especially in the disciplines of business administration and management, the strength and efficiency exerted in familial management, in most instances, without the male support or visibility, must be considered as a catalyst for rethinking the objection to a female principal for the North Street boys.
The 'matrifocalisation' of St. George's College is not a recipe for its demise, but the start of a 'gender-based' revolution, which cannot be prevented. As women become more educated, and display a higher level of intellectual prowess than most men, more boy schools could have female heads of departments and principals, doing excellent jobs.
I am, etc.,
CANUTE WHITE
superpower342002@yahoo.ca
Kingston 11
Via Go-Jamaica
