THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM upset that Jamaica is becoming more unJamaican by adopting foreign holidays and cultural events. Valentine's Day is not a Jamaican event no matter what it means. We've adopted Mother's Day and Father's Day as if these holidays also belong to us and are a part of our culture. We'll soon be dressing up for Halloween and spending fortunes on plastic Easter eggs and bunny rabbits. These are not part of our culture. Nor does Thanksgiving Day have anything to do with Jamaica.
Trust me, if there is Junkanoo in Brooklyn, they live on the periphery of the American culture. It is never assimilated; it is used to amuse.
I think it ridiculous also that we have 'Black History Month' in Jamaica. We can celebrate Black people's history all year long, as there are many countries where Black people live and there are more than enough stories to serve classrooms for the school year. The study of the history of West Africa alone can occupy an entire year's study.
Nothing is wrong with being friends with people who celebrate those other days or months, however, they just do not belong to us. I appeal to those who think to pay close attention to what we are doing when we nationally adopt alien cultural practices into our society. Jamaicans abroad would like to come home and find Jamaica, not a replica of where they're coming from.
I am, etc.
A.M.ANSARI
P.O. Box 111302
Nashville, TN 37222
Via Go-Jamaica
