Letter of the Day | Light skin has advantages in Jamaica

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Carolyn Cooper’s column, ‘Servants’ quarters for some visitors to Devon House’, published in The Sunday Gleaner on February 5, hits the spot on so many aspects of our social and economic situation. My experience growing up in this country has taught me from my early years that colour prejudice is a serious problem.

Light skin is a definite advantage, not only socially, but economically. My first experience was when my sister, who was one of the brightest students in an elite girls’ school, was passed over for a bank job in favour of the local merchant’s daughter who was less academically qualified.

My sister was able to attend that school only because she won an all-parish scholarship. Another alarming experience was the situation I faced at a prosperous firm. My salary could barely pay the cost of boarding. The white employee who replaced me was able to afford a house on lands owned by the firm’s partners. He was no more qualified for the job than me. Except for the colour of his skin!

In addition, there are numerous occasions on which our own black compatriots discriminate against us. A white supervisor will receive more respect than a black one in any corporation in this country. And a white customer will enjoy more courteous reception in most commercial establishments than a black customer, and this from the black employee behind the counter or desk. I migrated years ago, but I return annually. On one visit, I was accompanied by a white friend. I was able to enter some exclusive private beach properties unimpeded.

When I was on my own, I was subjected to interrogation from security guards who demanded to know my purpose for visiting the beach. This is the most agonising aspect of racial discrimination in Jamaica. Part of both the problem and the solution lies within ourselves. We must emancipate ourselves from self-hate. I hope that Ms Cooper will continue to write about the social malaise and other disadvantages suffered by the majority of black and poor people in this country.

A CONCERNED JAMAICAN