THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AGREE with the sentiments expressed in the Letter of the Day, 'Grave disparity in female choices' (Gleaner, July 27, 2005), that Jamaica is blessed with women of diverse ethnicity. This is evident in the disparity between those who represent this country nationally and internationally. However, whether this is grave, as the writer describes, is debatable.
While this apparent disparity may have its roots in slavery, in the 21st century it is sustained largely by economics. Should we continue to cry foul over the cruelty meted out by our former plantation owners? No, for the answer lies in education. For if we understand these market forces and the tides that move them, then we can begin to stem the tide of racial inferiority. And in time, this revolution, like subtle chess moves, will be the undoing of those who would have us believe they hold the key to beauty.
This process of change has already begun. We have made inroads in the fashion world and Jamaica's diverse stock of beautiful women are well represented. Perhaps more strides can be made, in the Miss Universe and Miss World competitions, by increasing our exposure. After all, is it worth it to crown a Jamaican queen who does not closely fit the 'image of the day'? Let's face it, this is a marketing game too, and ignoring the rules would be akin to donning gear for a Test match, when in truth we had signed up for football.
We must change the rules from within and without. Surely, our sisters of non-African ethnicity deserve to represent Jamaica nationally as much as our African queens do internationally. In addition to these lofty thoughts spawned from Afro-centric consciousness, perhaps as parents we should take that first real step and think twice before buying that Barbie doll for our African princesses.
I am, etc.,
SHANI DACRES
sdacres@hotmail.com
Kingston 19
