THE EDITOR, Sir:

The slogan 'Jamaica', No Problem' has allowed for terrible nightmares in our society. Our whole culture and way of life has been invaded by the sub-conscious belief that even when things are wrong, because we're in Jamaica it's not a problem. That's just the way things are. The mindset helps to justify the presence of young girls under 10 years old at street dances in the wee hours of the morning gyrating to the lewd lyrics of 'Pon Di Edge' and 'Back it Up'.

For those who may be naive enough to think that these children may not fully understand what they are saying and simply remember the lyrics because of easy-to-learn hooks, it would be quite interesting to learn of your reasoning on the fact that these children, boys and girls, are already having sex and many are not being coerced into early sexual activity.

Early exposure

The early exposure to such adult activities encourages youngsters to get involved without much thought of consequences. But again, it's just our culture, no problem.

We need also to be mindful that this phenomenon is not unique to the ghetto. It's the silent driving philosophy behind corruption at all levels, it's the reason why anywhere in Jamaica that the police run a raid on minor offensive weapons they're able to quickly stockpile so many hundreds of knives and ice picks and it also contributes significantly to the ever increasing pressure put on our security forces, many of whom become infected and simply join the masses. After all, we're in Jamaica, no problem.

Our thinking must change for our culture to change. Let us acknowledge the things that are just plain wrong and inappropriate in our society and take the necessary steps to correction.

I am, etc.,

ARTHNEL EDWARDS

arthneledwards@yahoo.co.uk