Don’t make idols out of shallow people

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The world has a way of using misplaced priorities to judge who among us should be emulated and idolised. As such, it is normally they who have achieved so-called ‘fame and fortune’, regardless of the other baggage that they carry, who are all too often promoted by society as being ‘worthy’ and to be respected.

Every so often, we are abruptly reminded of the folly of our ways, and two recent examples that come to mind are Buju Banton and Marlon Samuels.

When one creates idols for the youths to follow, it becomes very difficult to separate the rubbish that spews from their mouths or their social media accounts from the ‘celebrity’ that the youngsters so desperately want to follow and become.

Buju Banton’s talk about why Jamaicans should not wear masks flies in the face of all well-thinking persons, and certainly contradicts the Government’s efforts to control COVID-19 and its effects on our society. Had a nobody like myself said it, it would not be dangerous, but since ‘Buju seh so’ some of our most vulnerable will sadly feel ‘a suh it go’. His talk reminds us of who he is, notwithstanding his undeniable musical talents.

Marlon Samuels’ expletive-laden and racist tirade on social media against cricketer Ben Stokes is another matter altogether and showcases to our youngsters exactly how not to behave in the face of adversity. No amount of wealth will buy Marlon one ounce of class, and racism – against any race and from whomever it emanates – should be condemned by all. Samuels choosing to disrespect Stokes’ wife is the icing on the cake and, again, reminds us of who he truly is and perhaps who he sadly has always been, notwithstanding his undeniable cricketing talents.

Imagine for a moment a world where success is judged by a totally different standard: where honesty, integrity, decency, responsibility, kindness, gentleness, humility, respect, tolerance and generosity of spirit are what define our idols and superstars as against the current criteria by which ‘success’ and stardom are judged. When persons displaying these traits are put forth to our impressionable youths as being the real ones to emulate and idolise is when we as a people and a society will begin to realise our true potential. I hold out no hopes for this during my lifetime but one surely is permitted to dream.

Samuels and Buju epitomise the danger of creating idols out of shallow people.

LEROY D