The article ‘Beyond the euphoria’ presented many disturbing facts about present day Jamaica. Many of their social and political mishaps has a lot to do in what’s imbedded in their history. It is important that one understands the history of a country before he/she critiques on it. The writer of the editorial stated facts and figures to enhance his/her presentation but didn’t look at the contributing external factors. As one would notice I didn’t mention internal factors due to the fact that the writer of the article listed the political dilemma as a contributing factor as part of the problem both socially and economically. With reference to the article, in my opinion history is to be blamed for such a situation in Jamaica today.
As Jamaica celebrated its 50 years of Independence, they have a lot to be proud of; one of its greatest achievements took place at the recent London 2012 Olympics where history was created by Usain Bolt, also known as the fastest man in the world and by many other fellow Jamaican Olympiads. However one must not be lulled or tricked into thinking that Jamaica as it is always perceived by tourists and many others that their life is a “bed of roses,” as a Caribbean individual would say.
The editor went on to say that for the past 40 years the economy of Jamaica has been largely stagnant. Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t Jamaica celebrating 50 years of Independence. What about the other ten years in which they was also independent? The editor failed to provide information about the growth both socially and economically about the remaining ten years. How can one be so bias when writing such an article and that too in the National paper of Jamaica?
The Research paper on History Story Teaches Us That History Teaches Nothing: Discuss
1.0 INTRODUCTION All human cultures tell stories about the past, deeds of ancestors, heroes, gods, or animals. Songs sacred to particular peoples were chanted and memorized long before there was any writing with which to record them. Their truth was authenticated by the very fact of their continued repetition. History which can be considered as an account that purports to be true of events and ...
Yes it’s important to state the ills of the country but on the other hand it’s important that one portrays the beauty and wonders of one’s country so that others within the Caribbean and internationally will read about the facts rather than about only one person’s opinion, it is important that the article be balanced to reduce biasness. The writer of the article must remember that when writing an article he is not voicing his opinion alone but also that of the entire country.
In my opening remarks about the article I blamed history for such a dilemma. In supporting my position i used the literature of the very reputable Dr. Eric Williams. Jamaica was previously a colony of the British that served as a slave society where plantation activities took place. In Williams decline thesis which was published in 1944 as Capitalism and Slavery, he argued that Britain had abolished slavery for economic reasons rather that philanthropic purposes. One may think why this is relevant to the article, but it’s important to ask why slavery was abolished if it was such a profitable industry. My point is, the British created a scenario where they drained Jamaica and other countries of their resources so by the time they were granted independence their economy was literally in a mess. And the situation lingers up until today, where Jamaica is still in a state of economic depression. Again I lament, history and the then colonial empire is to be blamed for such a problematic contemporary Jamaica.
The article went on to say that the political culture is the main cause for social predicament facing contemporary Jamaica. I agree to certain extent that the political structure and the history of their politics has impacted negatively on the country. It’s obvious and clear cut that if Jamaica is experiencing negative growth then it would impact negative on social life, this is clearly stated by the writer of the article. The achievement of political independence was a major turning point in the English- speaking Caribbean. Halliday (1991) observed that there was a direct link between education and the political process, since education was perceived as the major vehicle for de-colonization and nationalism. Black nationalists such as Bustamante (Jamaica), Adams (Barbados) and Williams (Trinidad and Tobago) believed that educational investment would also bring economic prosperity to the region. This belief is supported by Human Capital Theory (HCT).
The Term Paper on Difference Between Romanticism and Transendinlalism in American and British Writers
Difference Between Romanticism and Transendinlalism in American and British Writers The expression Romantic gained currency during its own time, roughly 1780-1850. However, the Romantic era is to identify a period in which certain ideas and attitudes arose, gained the idea of intellectual achievement and became dominant. This is why , they became the dominant mode of expression. Which tells us ...
This theory promotes the principle that education and training will, in future years, increase and raise the standards of living. So as to say if Jamaica wants to prosper, investments must be made in the educational arena.
According to Talcott Parsons (Cultural Perspective), his theory presented the characteristics of two societies, traditional and modern. He argued that in order to move from a traditional society to a modern one, there had to be a change in the value, norms and attitudes of the people and their government. Needless to say the present political structure and way of governance that was adapted from the British needs to be revised because what worked 50 years ago wouldn’t work in contemporary society, since society, its people and technology is constantly evolving/changing.
Heavily weighing in on my opinion I would like to recommend to the writer that in his future writing he at least states the positive side of Jamaica like its bauxite and their tourist industry.
The writer mentioned about Jamaica engaging in the Jubilee celebrations. Why go for help with the British monarchy when it is they who have Jamaica in such an underdeveloped position today. It makes me to wonder is the writer in favor of the British ruling Jamaica once more. Come on, Jamaica has come a long way and have survived many mishaps with the British Monarchy. In my opinion Jamaica has the resources to propel economically and socially so they do not need foreign help at all.
The Term Paper on Beginning of a Mod Culture and Its Influence on British Society
Beginning of a Mod culture and its influence on British society From the beginning of research of subcultures, the biggest problem for the researches was to put it into a proper definition. Defining the culture itself was a hard work, and specifying a group of young people that seemed to deny certain social stereotypes without any precise pattern could seem impossible at first. However, the ...
In conclusion the present government which is the PNP needs to revise their economy and plan for their future generations by implementing Sustainable Development plans. However the “he say she say” wouldn’t work in governmental policies the political organization need to keep their promises in order to promote growth. I must indeed however agree with the notion that change is inevitable and Jamaica can experience change no matter the circumstances.
