Letter of the Day | We have collective responsibility to build a better society

THE EDITOR, Madam:

For around 15 years, Jamaica’s conscious cultural fabric has been, and is still being, eroded by many different characters. This is quite evident in the dominant popular music in Jamaica, dancehall, where the superior themes surround self-indulgence in sex, violence and consumption of luxury, including liquor. A popular phrase that one hears in these songs is ‘rich badness’, which I interpret as these artistes and or their agents investing their income from music, which can be a lot to influence Jamaica’s badness culture. This is not an attempt to blame the music, but a realistic view of what is produced in our society. Although the music reflects societal happenings, societal happenings as well are influenced by music and art.

I am not sure what or if any one thing is responsible for the cultural appreciation for violence, immorality and vulgar, lewd behaviours and attitudes that are so rampant in our society. This is accompanied by a lack of respect for the most fundamental human right, the right to life.

However, we all have a role to play in creating a Jamaica that is better than what it is now. We have slowly developed an attitude towards money where people believe that, as long as a person has money, they should do what they want, which includes overindulgence in vulgar, lewd behaviour and illegal activities, without any consequences.

This disposition has helped to create an environment where gunmen/terrorists think that it is okay for them to go on a murder and shooting rampage as devastating as the attack in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon. Such shootings are not uncommon. However, the number of victims is extraordinarily high and a reminder of the Tredegar Park massacre in August of 2010, where, similarly, eight people were murdered.

In present-day Jamaica, it is no longer right to look out for your neighbour and do unto others as you would have them do to you. We have become a society where it is every man, woman or child for him or herself.

Just as how the nation has seen a repeat massacre 14 years later, if we do not become better people unto ourselves and rid the community of this malady, based on the appetite for violence and bloodletting, it is highly likely that there will be another episode. If the police happen to capture and bring to justice the perpetrators of this mayhem, the circumstances and mindset to create another still exist in large parts of Jamaica.

Where do we go from here? What will we do in our homes, communities, churches, schools and informal social gatherings? If we fail to do anything, we are as much as culpable as the perpetrators of wanton violence and criminality. The responsibility of creating a better Jamaica is not only that of the government, it is a duty bestowed on all of us.

OMAR RYAN