The Editor, Sir:

I have observed among developing countries a lack of originality in everything, including behaviour. The issue of Christmas has caused quite a stir in the U.S.A. in recent years, with members of various religions voicing concerns over the use of the words 'Merry Christmas'.

Now, the last time I checked, that was not an issue in Jamaica and it baffles me why most Jamaican businesses have opted to use 'Happy holidays' as opposed to the nice, ringing 'Merry Christmas'.

It is sad, because Christians in the U.S.A. are crying out for their right to say those nice words, while we in Jamaica elect to give away our right without persuasion.

This is indicative of the way we think of ourselves. We are so small that we have to persistently be copycats to boost our confidence. Lest I be accused of being an unreasonable foreigner, I see the trend not just in Jamaica but in many African countries.

It is so sad, we need a rude awakening. We have lost our identity and somebody needs to wake us up from our slumber before we lose our identity.

I am, etc.,

MOTHEBA

rmotheba@yahoo.com

Kingston 8

Via Go-Jamaica