Jamaica's influence declining

Jamaica's influence as a cultural powerhouse in the Caribbean, the United States, Canada and England appears to be ebbing with the increasing co-opting of the American culture. Of late - from the politicians who seek out CNN and C-Span for visions and ideas to lead to the ordinary man - most people seem to look to America for dress, style and attitude.

The only group of people who stay loyal to the Jamaican culture and who continue to propagate it far and wide are the Rastafarians. Marcus Garvey, who influenced the Rastafarian movement greatly, went to America and uplifted the minds of black people there. He was so successful in his mission that the Americans did not see him as a Jamaican, but instead an American. It is puzzling, therefore, to see how Jamaicans have lost their way as a nation and now look to America for definition of who they are as a people.

- Kola

citysmile7@yahoo.com

Brooklyn

New York

'Rampin' Shop'is creative

I am a teacher and, regardless of what persons want to say, I think the song shows creativity, talent and a high level of intelligence.

I can't understand why people are hitting out at the song so much. Is it because it wasn't written in the Queen's English? Or they are just afraid of their sexuality? All intelligent adults who listen to the song should have known that a lot of it wasn't literal.

Persons have gone as far as to do research to find out students' views on the song. But, do you think that most intelligent students would tell an adult whom they respect that they love the song? Don't be ridiculous. Students will only say what they want you to hear. Ask students what their friends think about the song then you might get a totally different view.

Don't get me wrong. Rampin' Shop should not be played on air. Of course, we don't want to send the wrong message to our children, but Kartel and Spice should be applauded for their creativity.

- P . Coleman

daintyangel21@hotmail.co

St Mary

Importance of black history

I have noticed that not only some Jamaicans but quite a number of blacks from other countries do not care much about celebrating Black History month, but if we are not reminded and teach the children what happened in the past, things will be repeated. If they do not know what was achieved, they will grow up thinking only whites have accomplished any thing of great consequence.

Recently, some Jamaican children came on a visit to New York. On their return, they were able to report that they went to the Holocaust Museum. I do not have any problem with that, but were they told that black slaves built, the White House, Wall Street and Broadway? We are always taught about the history of others and are inclined to forget about ours

- J. Elaine McDonald

Jmcdo62658@optonline.net

Bronx

New York

USA