Leaders must shun displays of vulgarity
Published:Saturday | June 1, 2013 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
The recent comments made by two past presidents of the Jamaica Teachers' Association highlight a chronic problem we have.
A number of our public figures, including parliamentarians, either have a difficulty expressing themselves or are wilful in their choice of words. To see them resort to a certain type of vulgar behaviour when expressing disgust or disapproval speaks to some underlying problems.
These crude behaviours are manifested by no less than our very prime ministers. The presence of a camera or other recording device does not act as a deterrent. It seems there is little concern about what is being said and to whom it is being said. That the entire nation will hear and/or see it does not move them one bit.
Leading figures in this country have continued to say and do things in the public domain that are downright rude and distasteful. There is a clear deficit in good manners. There is a clear lack in this most basic principle.
Is it that they do not know better? It would be frightening to think that they don't. That they may know better and opt to express themselves in that crude manner is even more alarming.
There should be a stately aura that is exuded by our leaders. In cases of ignorance, people must be taught. It is my belief that we can behave better. We can find other ways to express our anger, disgust and dissatisfaction.
ASTOR TATE