Letter of Day | Call for consistent values in public discourse

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As a high school social studies teacher, I feel compelled to express my deep concern regarding the recent public condemnation by Equality for All Foundation in response to a political candidate’s use of a song that denounces homosexuality during his campaign.

In a democratic society, freedom of expression applies to all. If civil rights groups can voice their beliefs freely, then so too can individuals who hold traditional or moral views about societal behaviour. The right to disagree must not be selectively upheld. I also believe that public discourse must be guided by consistency, moral clarity, and a genuine concern for societal well-being. If the concern is about promoting hate or inciting violence – then yes, we must all stand united in denouncing any lyrics or messages that call for or glorify violence in any form, but we must ask: would the same outrage be expressed if the lyrics condemned scamming, theft, or paedophilia – behaviours that are clearly destructive and denounced by both law, religious values and societal norms?

It is disturbing that at a time when the nation faces crippling issues such as crime, corruption, scamming, and the erosion of basic values among the youth, we are witnessing such vocal outrage – not in defence of morality or lawfulness, but in defence of what many still regard as controversial lifestyle choices.

It is heart wrenching to see a growing fad side lining the sad reality we face today where many of our young people no longer possess a clear sense of right and wrong. We’ve blurred the lines between morality and immorality in the name of tolerance, and this moral confusion is rapidly undermining the fabric of our society. As educators, leaders, and citizens, we have a duty to help shape and reinforce national values – not dilute them to appease every voice of dissent.

Let us be clear – there is a difference between promoting violence and expressing moral disapproval. As citizens and especially as custodians of Jamaica’s future, we must help our young people understand this distinction. We must consistently uphold the values that build a strong society, including respect for life, law, and each other. But we must also remain firm in rejecting behaviours that go against our collective conscience and moral standards – regardless of who engages in them.

LORIA CAMPBELL