THE EDITOR, Sir:
I JOIN my colleagues in expressing my sadness and outrage over the incident at Dunoon Technical High School. I too am disturbed, not only by the fact that an irresponsible father has placed his son in harm's way, but also that there seems to be little public outrage and support for this young victim.
Regardless of our views on homosexuality, we must not forget the value of human life. We may disagree with our children's choices, but they are OUR children and we MUST protect them.
Two 'sins' have been committed here, (1) the 'sin' of the father who has betrayed his child and has changed his life forever, and (2), the sins of our fellow Jamaican citizens who have contributed to the climate that precipitated this awful event, and are sanctioning the father's horrible deeds by their minimal public outcry. This is truly sad, indeed.
We however, can change this. We can use this terrible event as an opportunity to talk openly and honestly about the destructive consequences of homophobia. The point is not to convert people's views about it, after all, we have a right to our views, but to discuss the destructive ways in which it affects our lives and the lives of our children, the victims as well as the aggressors. We need to honestly ask ourselves, how can we co-exist peacefully despite our differences and build a better Jamaica for all?
To the victim, please know that there are many people who do care about you. Regardless of your sexuality, YOU ARE NOT THE PROBLEM! Hang in there, you hear?
I am, etc.,
A saddened Jamaican parent,
W. BROWN
wbrowngl@bowdoin.edu
New Jersey, USA
Via Go-Jamaica
