Outrages on Decency

The Jamaican society polices adherence to conformity in every aspect of one's being. This is perhaps one of the most consistent aspects of Jamaica -- we must all look, walk and talk the same. There is no room for "the other". If you get that right then "No problem mon!"

Who is outraged by these acts of indecency? Seemingly too few of us. Of course, some of us will challenge those that directly affect us and gladly support the ban on "tight" pants in school for example. I support none of them. 

It is my firm belief that people should be provided with the space to express and present themselves however they wish (albeit with room for boundaries, which all of us are responsible enough to respect). Diversity can provide enormous benefits to a society but it's impossible when the culture and attitudes do not engender a positive relationship with self. No! We should all be preoccupied in our attempts to project what society considers decent. After all, the Gleaner recently said in an editorial adherence to dress code (in schools) is a prerequisite for good citizenship behaviour. The lack thereof is perhaps manifested in some of our highest offices (public and private). How foolish! Who really decides/defines what is decent? 

About 4000 young men sought one of 350 jobs available with the government as a 'Correctional Officers' today. Both CVM TV and TVJ reported that several of them were turned away because they were deemed as "inappropriate" job seekers. Some were too short, their hair was braided, had bow legs or a "visible" tattoo, etc. Who knew it could be a "crime" to be you? The startling thing is that they even had a doctor on site to check that none of the young men's ear was pierced. Of course ignoring that they had removed their earring out of "respect" for our idiotic culture. Imagine if the Correctional Services representative who spoke to the media was fired because of her false hair? Would she be so hasty to determine that earrings, tattoos and height renders one inept at a job? 

One of the job seekers who came all the way from Clarendon (to Kingston) after being given time by his current boss was so disappointed that these "requirements" were never published with the job advertisement. He clearly would not have been bothered if he knew christians-conservative-bigots (or whatever/whoever those who made the rules are) had made this known. 

What a damned and sad society this is! Hopeless is replete and the news constantly reminds us of this predicament. 

Need I remind us (Jamaicans) that not so long ago a woman who attempted to report a crime to the police was murdered on her way home after been turned away from making the report in what was deemed "inappropriate dress." I don't see why I shouldn't be able to run naked to the nearest police station to volunteer information that could lead to the arrest of one criminal. Not so long ago, the Commissioner of Police also issued instructions on how his officers should present themselves. Yes, dress codes are very important here. Former Minister of Education, Andrew Holness, also left a dress code legacy for his teachers. That may be an explanation for the tight pants and short skirt sanctions at schools across the island (laughs). 

Thankfully I divorced many aspects of being Jamaican so I can be a better person and embrace wholeheartedly (without bias/judgment) those I come in contact with. Sadly, this is not the case for the vast majority of Jamaicans. 

This is bigotry --- bare faced discrimination. When will all this stop? Why do we insist on homogeneity? Where is the space for diversity in Jamaica? So much for the cultural melting pot of the Caribbean!

Those of us who are decent enough to be respectful and appreciative of people's sense of identity and expression must stand up.