Desmond AllenTHE SUNDAY Herald in its October 1-7 edition ran a front page vox pop titled "Taking a stand on homosexuality", in which the paper canvassed the views of some politicians and lawyers. I thought the article was going to be an analytical piece about homosexuality, as the Herald sees it. No such luck. I find that Jamaican newspapers are uncomfortable about discussing the issue.
I can't seem to remember when last I saw an editorial on homosexuality. The issue is a difficult one for journalists. Editors and reporters know that the majority sentiment is anti-homosexual. But they also know that journalists are not expected to use morality as a yardstick to decide what to publish or air. In that scenario, it is easier to keep quiet.
While I edited the Observer, I took a huge risk in running on the front page a wire-photograph of homosexual and lesbian couples getting married and kissing in San Francisco. All hell broke loose! It had never been done in Jamaica. The debate started inside the Observer, even before the paper hit the news-stands.
The next day was sheer pandemonium. The radio call-in shows were inundated with angry calls. The Observer's switchboard was jammed with angry calls all day. In boardrooms, classrooms, corridors, wherever people gathered, that became the topic of conversation. Of course, the paper sold out, though that was not the main aim.
At one stage, when the calls were getting really hot, the CEO called me to ask what was the thinking behind my decision to run the photo on the front page. I told him that one of my criteria for selecting news was what was novel. It was the first time that many readers were going to see same-sex couples getting married. It was plain and simple a news photograph. He accepted my explanation. But clearly, there was some level of nervousness.
Tradition has generally put journalists on the side of "the people", what is regarded as "in the public interest". That means that journalists are generally to be expected to either frown on homosexuality or ignore the issue, in order not to appear to be taking sides against the people. The bottom line is that homosexuals should not expect any support from journalists, not for a long while.
Farewell Gillie Campbell, T.O.B. Goldson
Another veteran of the journalism profession has passed on. Gillie Campbell, who has left his stamp on Jamaican journalism, died recently and we mourn this great loss. The sports journalism fraternity will especially miss his yeoman contribution. On behalf of all the colleagues, I express condolences to Gillie's family and friends.
And condolences to the loved ones of T.O.B. Goldson, the "father" of Spanish Town, whose tremendous love of history benefited journalists a great deal, through his many articles and letters to the editor. May their souls Rest In Peace.
Spike reader's comments
Dear Spike, I have noticed on the JUTC buses plying the No. 88 route the following spelling: "Author Wint Drive". I always thought it was "Arthur Wint Drive". Could you clarify. Several schools are situated along this route, as is the main library and we wouldn't want students going away with the wrong spelling. Looking forward to your response. - Kenneth McGregor karyn98@hotmail.com.
Spike comment: Of course, you are right Kenneth! Arthur Wint Drive was named after the great Jamaican Olympian. 'Author' is someone who writes. I'm happy that you have taken the time to write. And you can bet some poor child is going to be spelling the athlete's name as 'Author Wint'. JUTC, please correct that error, nuh.
Dear Spike, it's time we get it straight. The winner of the bronze medal in the 100-metre race at the Sydney Olympics is T-A-Y-N-A Lawrence and not T-A-N-Y-A Lawrence as the Sunday Herald Oct. 1-7 would have us believe. - Loui Davis litework@hotmail.com.
Seen and Heard
TVJ Sports gave us this classic on October 1: "...The mayor of Greece, the city which will host the next Olympics." This is cruel. We have gone too far to be making this kind of error. We know that you don't have a mayor of Greece, so that should have been "mayor of Athens". And by Jove, Greece is not a city! It's a country!
I like when a young reporter is trying. Did you read Julian Smith's piece "Last Sound Standing!!" in the XNEWS Merritone Music 50th Anniversary Supplement, October 4-10? Listen this: "When the smoke cleared and the dust settled, only one man was left standing. He was the unmatched, unconquered Mr. Winston 'Merritone' Blake. When the storm of confusion and chaos of rivalry calmed, only one untouchable sound system triumphantly told the tale - Merritone Music." I like it. Good try, young Julian.
This is in the Observerof September 30, page 17: "Since the year began, there have been 12 reported cases of rape compared to four last year; and 13 carnal abuse cases compared to four last year. In addition, there have been 35 robberies and seven murders this year, compared to 14 robberies and six murders last year." People, when you are giving statistics, mention things in order of importance. In this case, murder is more important, followed by carnal abuse, rape and robberies.
I can't keep up with the sports pages. First they give us teams as plurals. For example "Jamaica have won their match". Now Tym Glaser in The Gleaner, October 5, page B1, has given us: "Jamaica faces an uphill task to qualify for the Nations Cup..." and yet again "Jamaica enters the tournament without its strongest team." Pass me two aspirins.
Send spikeables to spike@jol.com.jm; desal@cwjamaica.com or fax to 926-0295.
