The Editor, Sir:

Bishop Herro Blair, castigating the Government on his radio programme, declares trenchantly that the JLP-led administration should "shape up or ship out". But for what reason? Corruption? No. Mismanagement of the economy? No. High levels of crime and violence? No. Stupidity? Yes.

He assumes that the policy to introduce, what we pejoratively call, 'expletives' in sixth-form education is "stupid". For him, such a move is paradoxical to the fact that it is a criminal offence to use expletives in 'public'.

Rev Blair seems unfair and partisan in his attack as I have never heard him calling for the former government to "shape up or ship out" amidst their reputation of presiding over a period of uncontrollable crime and violence, explosive corruption, high debt and poverty and a rapid depreciation of the dollar.

It is rather nonsensical and harsh for the bishop to require the Government to resign for being stupid. What is stupid about allowing sixth-form students to read expletives in a society that uses them every day? If truth be told, doesn't he realise that the Government could also move to decriminalise the use of expletives. In fact I strongly suggest that they do so, as it is idiotic and waste of time to arrest someone for the using expletives when there is so many other real ills in our country that need attention.

Offensive

Frankly speaking, expletives are not 'bad', but are 'offensive', if, in fact, they offend those who hear them. They aren't inherently 'bad'; it is how, when and where we use them and 'who' hear expletives that make them 'indecent'. In fact, there many words or expressions that are used to denigrate another person, yet we do not outlaw such expressions. Indeed, there are many 'curse' words or expressions that are quite legal, yet they are illicit and are generally definite and specific in their meanings and intent.

In essence, in so far as those among/around us are not offended, expletives are neutral words. Moreover, some words are public and others private and people have different reactions to words.

What is necessary is that we educate our people from an early age as to how we use language and the context of using certain expressions. Proper understanding of expletives and language should be clearly taught as a topic in ethics in schools. Hence, Bishop Blair, I believe that there is plausible reason to introduce sexpletives in school.

I am, etc.,

REV RENALDO C. McKENZIE

youthinministry@yahoo.com

Lot 132 Johnson Hill

Hellshire, Portmore

St Catherine

Via Go-Jamaica