Lipton Matthews is affected by the racist stereotype
Published:Tuesday | June 18, 2019 | 12:21 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
I feel compelled to respond to Lipton Matthews’ article, ‘Africa is no role model for Jamaica’ (The Gleaner, June 17, 2019). He concludes: “... Africa is a continent mired in poverty and mysticism and can be no role model for Jamaica”.
Very sad commentary, really, considering that so much natural resources that power much of Western economies have come from, or stolen from Africa.
Most Jamaicans, I bet, can claim ancestral and DNA links to Africa. Of course, Africa has its problems; but, then which country doesn’t?
Jamaica has its problems, too; but it, like Africa, is trying to redress them. But to talk about Africa in demeaning tones as that writer does, is reminiscent of the prejudicial attitudes of some current African critics. So, sadly, Matthews is affected by the racist stereotype that still afflicts the mind of the ignorant.
GEORGE S GARWOOD