Turn the next cheek: best solution to violence
Published:Tuesday | April 28, 2026 | 12:08 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
The recent stabbing-death of a 14-year old Seaforth High School student allegedly by a schoolmate, is a stark reminder of how we as a people have allowed violence to play a prominent role in our interactions with one another.
Any serious examination of violent behaviour in Jamaica over the past four decades will show that acts of violence are not carried out because the perpetrators have been pushed to the brink of toleration. Instead, what it shows is that violence is the first responder to any perceived conflict or differences.
This propensity to violence is a result of two erroneous notions embraced by far too many Jamaicans. The first of these false notions is that any attempt at de-escalating a potentially dangerous situation is seen as being weak and coward. The second false notion says those who are not afraid to defend what they consider theirs are the real men and women, to whom much respect is due.
Regrettably, this notion has been allowed to seep into the mentality of our children, thanks to the help of their parents who tell them not to allow anyone to hit them and get away with it.
I am just amazed at the ignorance of persons not being able to see the enormous benefits in practising the Bible’s admonition to ‘turn the other check’.
Persons think turning the other cheek will result in the aggressor being emboldened to further his aggression. However, the intent and the probability of turning the other cheek is to de-escalate the potential danger. In other words, it is my refusal to fight back that will quench the thirst for blood in the aggressor.
CASHLEY BROWN