While travelling through New York's JFK airport on Monday August 14, I witnessed a Jamaican man whose behaviour helps to give all of us a bad name. I'm assuming that he is Jamaican because of the unmistakable accent and his expert use of choice Jamaican 'cloths' but he could easily be a 'Jafakeian'. The attendants at the security check point simply asked the man to remove his shoes. This is a common and expected request nowadays, but this nice gentleman decided to be difficult.

He resisted, refused, and argued. He proceeded to tell the people how many other terminals he had passed through and never had had to take off his shoes. They explained that they were simply following instructions and pointed out that everybody else going through the checkpoint was being asked to act in accordance with the request. The man eventually complied, but continued to argue and complain.

One of the attendants made a comment using the term "ignorant" in response to his obnoxious ranting. So, he proceeded to announce loudly: "Yeah, but the ignorant man mek more money dan di whole ah unnu!" The lady ignored the remark, so he repeated it. And he repeated it - again, and again. When it became clear that no one was taking on his unnecessary boast, the man started to chant it. I'm not kidding you. As he replaced his shoes and tied his laces, the grown man chanted like a seven-year-old: "The ignorant guy makes more money than all of unnu. The ignorant guy makes more money than all of unnu." I couldn't believe it.

Then he had the nerve to look at me for support. You know that look people give you when they want you to 'buy out the argument' or add a comment? He started looking like since I was obviously Jamaican too, he expected me to smile or cheer or endorse his nonsense. Well, the teacher in me wanted to scold him, give him detention or send him to the principal. And the parent in me wanted to give him a good spanking and send him to his room. But the Jamaican in me wanted to hang my head in shame for his stupidity, because the big man was behaving like a rude, unreasonable pickney.

Tight security

Look nuh, anyone who has to travel by air knows that things have become very difficult since that fateful September 11, when a few fanatics crashed planes into buildings and shook the world. The recently unsuccessful plot to blow up U.S.-bound aeroplanes departing from London has served to make air travel even more inconvenient for all. We are no longer allowed to carry any liquid, gel or cream of any sort onto a plane - not even bottled water. It is hard but sensible and reasonable people try to endure the inconvenience because we know it is for a good reason: our own safety.

You know how we Jamaicans always make sure to wear decent underwear when we are visiting the doctor and may have to undress? Well, I take the same attitude now when I travel. I put on my best underpants and ready up myself for the possibility of a strip search. It's just another part of life in the 21st century. So if you are asked to take off your shoes before going on to a plane, what's the big problem with that? I think we should simply comply or don't bother to fly - even if you have some seriously cheesy feet or your socks full of holes.

Brethren, remember that an ignoramus who makes a lot of money is simply that: An ignoramus who makes a lot of money. And please, if you have to publicly display your ignorance, use your American accent and stop giving Jamaicans a bad rap!

box-mi-back@hotmail.com.