THE EDITOR, Madam:
I wish to contribute to the crucial debate on the causes behind the crime epidemic.
I have found that, as a teacher, there are so many restless, unwanted Jamaican children who often do not see their parents very often or at all. The television and influential peers become the new parents. When children are beaten senseless, as many are, they learn that such behaviour is the norm. Violence in the home, on the street becomes a way of life.
The rage that comes from sensory deprivation which many Jamaican children suffer manifests itself in fights, rape and wounding as well as murder. Many murders are committed in a few moments of rage. The society is one of extremes. Where there are such extremes then the stress becomes so visible.
I believe we have fallen down in the area of parenting. The churches can do a lot to influence this. While a spiritual relationship is crucial for many, the Church needs to address the problem of parenting seriously. Parenting is an art which needs to be taught, especially when it comes to building a child's self esteem. ONE OF THE GREATEST GIFTS A PARENT CAN GIVE HIS OR HER CHILD IS A HAPPY AND HARMONIOUS FAMILY LIFE NO MATTER THE CIRCUMSTANCES. I have seen all too often the traumatic results of bad parenting and a lack of anger management.
The element of rage that drives a man to stab another man ten times in the chest is what needs to be addressed and nipped in the bud from early on.
I am, etc.,
JOHN TOBISCH
johntobisch32@hotmail.com
Germany
