I WISH to offer some comments on Melville Cooke's recent article 'Crowning of the Browning.' Jamaicans have always been black-conscious, and the diverse ethnicity is part of our history and culture as a nation. Many different ethnic types, including black, have come out on top in these local beauty contests, with full support of those who follow the pageants. If you don't enjoy beauty contests, or know little about it, then leave it alone.
You can't shout racism, not knowing what's involved. The best girl usually comes out on top, after a general consensus amongst qualified judges of all racial types. They meet with the girls, interview them, socialise with them, and they choose someone who can represent us intelligently with charm, grace and poise. Whether she is brown, black or white is not the point.
Jamaica has many racial types. It might be unfortunate that people of certain racial types in Jamaica have better opportunities for education and overseas travel which improve their awareness and ultimately their chances in these contests. The bottom line is that they are still Jamaicans and have enough pride in their country to represent it. We should give them our full support, and celebrate their success when they do us proud. Let us not be naive to become offended if a Jamaican girl of a different ethnic type than our own, should emerge a favourite or a winner.
Surely we would not look at the skin tone if this was a sporting event. Let's look at the individual, and take pride in the fact that the person is also Jamaican, with qualities or talents beautiful enough to represent us with pride on the world stage.
