Do we need more underdogs?

THE EDITOR, Sir:

A cartoon show, seen Saturday mornings when I was a boy growing up in Florida was Underdog, modelled, obviously, on the Superman comics figure. This 'superstar' hero was a dog in costume, saving the world every half-hour or so.

Today, considering equal popularity of musical superstars, I wonder if the hero were a Rastafarian, somewhat chauvinistic, possibly homophobic, African-American from Jamaica, at some point the cartoon might have easily sold in the Jamaican market. But then, is this so-well-admired character we call 'Buju Banton' really an 'underdog'?

True, some do, but then, on the whole, I suspect few believe Mr Myrie's music will ever have a redemptive and far-reaching influence upon the world. At least it doesn't appear to have that Marley-like quality just yet.

Others wonder, indeed, if even such a remote possibility should have the slightest influence in our forming an impression of him and, as some might argue, like poor O.J. Simpson, this poor man - at least, figuratively speaking - was set up and in reality was an innocent victim.

Or on the other hand, will history prove that he was just another 'big man' whose money and power seeking ambition, regardless of his talents, politics, or religion, together with his inexperience ... got him into serious trouble with the forces of Babylon? In other words, do we really need one more Underdog whose destiny is to save the world every half-hour or so?

I am, etc.,

ED MCCOY

mmhobo48@juno.com  

Florida