Comic strip male models
published: Monday | May 19, 2003
THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS A society we are concerned about the impact of crime and violence, and especially the real or perceived marginalisation of other vital human resources, the young males of Jamaica. I am referring to the low level of enrolment in tertiary institutions of learning skills - training, academic achievement in the GSAT-based High School system, drug abuse and the crowded penal institutions. The lack of a worthwhile work ethic is also of concern.
The main concern is that the process of socialisation is influencing this sad type of outcome. In view of this in every issue of the daily media "comic section" there can be seen a negative good for nothing picture of most of the males involved. For example let us look at the following: Blondie, Beetle Bailey, Mutt & Jeff, Hi and Lois, Tiger, and last but by no way least Born Loser and Andy Capp tied in last place.
It is often easy to blame and shame 'Anancy' for some of our ills but the comics which the youth are reading and viewing should be taken into serious consideration. Not for a moment I am trying to deny myself and many other our daily menu of laughter from the comic strips. However frog says, "What is joke to you is death to others."
This article is to invite the start of healthy debate in the society.
