THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE UPSURGE of crime in Jamaica is a source of outrage among most Jamaicans.

However, we need to look at other societies to see what traits we can emulate to ensure that we produce people with well integrated egos instead of angry and aggressive people. One can look at two primitive societies and observe the personal development of children. In his book, The Psychological Frontiers of Society, Abram Kardiner pointed out that the Comanche Indians are a primitive but loving society because their parents are lavish with affection. Children are welcome. They are needed and wanted. No punishment is employed and there is a tendency to praise the children.

He contrasted another primitive society, namely the Alorese, primitive inhabitants of the Dutch East Indies. In these societies, persons were incapable of being aware of each others feelings. In addition to this, there was a great deal of aggression among the inhabitants. Their childhood had been characterised by parental neglect.

The increase in crime can be attributed to poor parental practices, inherited anger and the hardening of the human spirit.

Perhaps in seeking to develop a compassionate society, we may have to examine other societies to see whether we can identify a useful template to foster human development.

I am, etc.,

V.A ROBERTS (Ms.)

Kingston 6