The Editor, Sir:

As a teacher who presides over different classes (pun intended) of students everyday, one of the fundamental lessons I teach is that of ignoring name callers, especially when your name is not called.

However, in the event that your name is mentioned I train my students not to respond unless, of course, the accusations or names being levelled at you are true. In this case students are usually given some opportunity, generally at the end of class to defend themselves if they so choose.

So, for example,when a student is upset over being called the word for a female dog, I encourage him/her to ignore the accuser, and this works most of the times to avert any further quarrel. If the student knows the insult is meant for him or her, but they are certain that they are not such then they can move on with their lives with confidence. When they choose to answer and proceed to 'trace' or have their friends do the 'tracing' for them, then it gives credence to the accuser and his/her accusations.!

I am, etc.,

VALENTINA McKENZIE

justenkas@gmail.com

Via Go-Jamaica