Critics take a swing at King
Published:Friday | February 7, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Judging from the responses to Keiran King's debut online column, 'Tessanne-mania is a national embarrassment', he might just be as popular as Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Taliban, and Robert Mugabe. But there were readers who gave him two thumbs up for swimming against the tide.
Here are a few comments from readers. And you can follow more feedback in Saturday's Gleaner, including excerpts of the exclusive online column you might have missed.
- Keiran is the real embarassment
THE EDITOR, Sir:
Somehow Keiran King ('Tessanne-mania is a national embarrassment', February 5) has sadly missed the point.
Someone achieving a measure of success by virtue of hard work and talent cannot be embarrassing. Having a sense of unity and empowerment by sharing the joys of their success is not embarrassing.
Young girls squealing with delight because they see in Tessanne a future beyond the bleak outlook that our nation currently offers them is not embarrassing. If there are crowds of people smiling for no other reason than that they can say to themselves "Dat likkle girl come from dis likkle island, and she a mash dem up!" is a good thing. It cannot be bad.
Do you feel better for having diminished our joy?
Educated as you are, you, no doubt, understand the crab-in-a-barrel concept. Your attempt at backhanded compliments towards Ms Chin only causes one to wonder if there is not in fact a deep longing within yourself for a measure of that adoration and recognition she has gained.
To climb on her achievements to gain it IS embarrassing.
M. DOUGLAS
Houston, Texas
- Don't overlook significance of Tessanne's victory
THE EDITOR, Sir:
Keiran King's 'Tessanne-mania is a national embarrassment' (February 5, 2014) was well-written, critically thoughtful, and courageous, too. But I felt Mr King overlooked important dimensions which, unfortunately, somewhat skewed his perspective on the wider significance of Tessanne Chin's achievement.
First, it seems to be a natural thing for an underdog person or country to go a bit overboard when they triumph over the Goliaths of this world. We see this all over the world, not only in Jamaica. Mongolia getting a medal in weightlifting. A small European country beating the world in chess. Ireland over its world champion golf player.
Second, the hype has a morale-boosting effect, stimulating individuals to persevere and excel.
Third, there is the evidence of the positive effect it had on national, social cohesiveness. A drop in the bucket maybe, but nevertheless, positive. All Jamaicans, of whatever class or colour, pulling together, crowding together. No little thing when so much tears society apart.
HAVELOCK R. BREWSTER
Maryland, USA
- Kudos to King
THE EDITOR, Sir:
Just as how we are eager to criticise persons when we disagree with them, I think it's just as important to give praise where it is due. With that said, Keiran King's article 'Tessanne-mania is a national embarrassment' was well-written and very truthful.
I think that people resorting to low-level commentary unrelated to the content of the article speaks volumes to the points he made. Their 'reality check' is in the works, I'm sure.
Where they disagreed with him on his opinions, well, the point was not necessarily to persuade them, but merely to state what 'is'.
Kudos to King and I hope he is not dissuaded by the negative commentary. It only means he's doing well.
Wendy Beswick
- Great article! Different!
THE EDITOR, Sir:
I am not accustomed to reading articles of such perceptivity in any of the Jamaican newspapers as I did Keiran King's 'Tessanne-mania is a national embarrassment' (February 5, 2014).
He is right: Tessanne Chin is gifted, but it was interesting to see adulation of the masses for a lady who barely represented the vast majority of us. She seems like a nice lady - but no one is nice enough for that level of worship over talent.
Again: What a difference to the usual fare!
ANGELA RAMSAY
- Bad-minded and grudgeful
THE EDITOR, Sir:
Please tell Keiran King that if he had success like Tessanne Chin, he would be getting all the glory and praise. But he isn't that talented, and is bad-minded and grudgeful. That is why he wrote that article, 'Tessanne-mania is a national embarrassment'!
KARLA A. GARDNER
- Tess made Ja look good
THE EDITOR, Sir:
I was not just appalled, but was quite disgusted with Keiran King's column, 'Tessanne-mania is a national embarrassment' (February 5, 2014). It was filled with much hate and many unnecessary thoughts.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with highlighting a member of our society who is doing well, especially when they represent themselves with such grace, as Tessanne did. When our people are participating in anything overseas and even here at home, they are not only representing themselves, but the entire country.
Jamaicans celebrate with Tessanne because she made not only herself, but also the island looked good, even you, King! We celebrate with Tessanne because she entered an American-based competition as an outsider and she came out victorious.
Her victory may not assist us in paying our bills, but nonetheless, she is a Jamaican, and we are happy for her. Tess, like Bob Marley, Shaggy, Merlene Ottey, Usain Bolt, just to name a few, help (whether directly or indirectly) in making our island relevant to the world.
King, your column is a national embarrassment! Your writing sounds as though you lack patriotism and class.
CASHAINE WILLIAMS