The Editor, Sir:

One of the writers in your sister publication The STAR , Owen 'Blacka' Ellis, recently pointed - albeit inadvertently - to one of the great ironies in the debates about values and attitudes and declining moral standards.

With reference to the much-talked about schoolchildren sex tape, he said it had been sent to him by more than one person, each condemning the children for their actions. My question is why is it that so many adults, who are so offended and so shocked, each ensuring wider circulation by sending it to as many people in their email contact lists whom they think may care to watch it and be equally outraged? Each is moralising and condemning the children, apparently after taking a 'prips'. Is there some residual or vicarious perversion among us which we are failing to recognise? Since we have more or less got the drift of what is involved, delete it and stop the circulation.

On the other hand, might I suggest that the only thing new in this episode is the technology that has allowed for wider and easier circulation. The act itself - schoolchil-dren engaging in sexual exploits - is a very ancient one in Jamaica.

This is not to suggest that we should wink at it and say it is OK. Rather, even as we seek to teach and encourage our children to value themselves and behave in more wholesome ways, we should approach the debates about morals and morality with deeper appreciation of people's humanity and tendency to stray from the ideal. Otherwise, all we do is advertise our hypocrisy and or our naivete.

I am, etc.,

CHADWICK BARNSWELL

barnswellc@yahoo.co.uk

Kingston 6