THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM saddened, but not surprised, that the St. Elizabeth Parish Council has rejected the idea of commemorating the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade.
It is well-known that many Jamaicans of African ancestry are still in a state of denial about the denigrating effects of slavery. Some politely refuse to be engaged in any form of meaningful discussion about the horrific experiences and agonising struggles throughout the years. "It is too painful to talk about," is the common response.
This avoidance of the subject is like pushing an unpleasant experience into the dark recesses of the subconscious mind where it is left to fester. But one must remember that this festering of unresolved repressed feelings can be extremely harmful in the long run. Indeed, it may be argued that repressing the ugliness of one's historical past can result in 'socio-cultural amnesia'.
We can all learn a great deal from the Jewish people, who are undoubtedly exceptionally successful. But their road to success is not paved with precious little stones. On the contrary, it is littered with boulders, innumerable ruts, potholes and 'craters'.
The Jewish people have never forgotten their excruciating pain and suffering. The memory of their struggles is always kept alive. This is the memory that has sustained them.
I, therefore, implore all Jamaicans and the St. Elizabeth parish councillors, in particular, to remind themselves that those who forget the horrendous experiences of the past, may be destined to have the same painful experiences inflicted on them once again.
I am, etc.,
RUPERT JOHNSON
r.b.johnson@sympatico.ca
Toronto, Ontario
Canada, M1C 3M7
