Too many 'isms' in the world

HELLO MI neighbour! It is my humble belief that one of the world's biggest problems is an oversupply of 'isms' ranging from ableism to Zwingliism.

In between, we have atheism, dualism, feminism, imperialism, individualism, materialism, racism, vampirism, womanism and a fairly new one called peopleism. At my last count, there were more than 500 of these 'isms'. Many of them have been coined by progressive people with noble intentions - to reflect the beliefs and interests of various groupings.

The term 'womanism' for example, was coined by African American, women's rights activist, Alice Walker, to encompass the experiences and perspectives of the black woman. For her, feminism did not go far enough. Womanism examines the ways in which black women empower and support black men while facilitating an understanding of their relationship to men. Recognising that women are survivors in a world which often oppresses them, womanism celebrates the ways in which they cope with these oppressions.

Of all these 'isms', the one I truly find fascinating and all encompassing is 'peopleism' - appropriately defined as 'interest in the well-being of all human beings'. Peopleism does not have a political agenda. It is not impeded by cultural, racial, gender or religious differences. People are high on the agenda of peopleism as it seeks to make room for all.

Peopleism, I believe, was what the Master had in mind when He commanded us to love others as much as ourselves. I believe also that it is people's refusal to embrace that command which has given rise to most of the other isms, which tend to segregate rather than integrate people. As good as many of these isms are, they rob humanity of a very critical freedom - the freedom of healthy interactions.

Where peopleism is absent, individualism rules! Rules are broken and rights are infringed. Who would have thought that discourtesy on the roadways would have become the 'new road code'? Drivers are not expected to wait for or give a 'bligh' anymore. They 'take it by force' and if your guardian angel is not sitting beside you, you could be in serious trouble. Well the Road Safety Council may have to get back to the drawing board or find the prayer room. The reckless individualistic motorist is an embarrassment to the council and the country at large.

Which ism do you embrace? If it is not peopleism, you could have another ism coming. Watch out! You won't like it.

As you think on these things, I must say a big thank you to Money Masters Limited for relieving Latoya's parents of the financial burden of schooling her for the upcoming academic year. Acting Principal Barbara Kamtha of the Holy Rosary Primary School, Kingston which Latoya attends, is very happy for the opportunity granted this brilliant student to develop academically. Money Masters Limited, which has adopted this school since January 2012, also assists in offsetting the cost of its breakfast programme. Can you beat that display of peopleism?

THANKS

1. Neighbour, for bed and mattress.

2. Ricardo, St Catherine, for offering clothing to neighbours.

3. Joseph, for offering a wheelchair to Nicholas, St James.

4. Marlene, Trelawny, for offering a sewing machine to Mrs Clarke, St Elizabeth.

5. Neighbour, for offering size four khaki to a needy neighbour.

Opportunities to help

Samuel, Clarendon, stroke victim - lives alone - needs two doors.

Neighbour, sleeping on the floor - badly in need of a bed.

Neighbour, needs clothing and towels for soon-to-be-born babe.

Ms Brown, St Catherine, needs a wardrobe.

Cordesia, Clarendon, asking neighbours for a bed and a dresser. Also needs clothing.

Mrs Brown, St Andrew, single mom needs a sewing machine a mattress.

Neighbour, St Catherine, needs a dining table.

Kirk, needs a mattress.

Joseph, St Mary, needs a bed and a dresser.

To help, please call Silton Townsend at 334-8165, 884-3866, 299-3412, deposit to acct # 351 044 276 NCB. (Bank routing #: JNCBJMKX) or send donations to Hello Neighbour c/o 53 Half-Way Tree Road, Kingston 10 Email helloneighbour@yahoo.com.