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Playing the class card
Psychologist, Dr. Leachim Semaj, like so many of us, argued that class issues, which have always been part of Jamaican politics, have emerged in this election among persons who identify their political mantra in words like, “Michael Manley has wrecked this country by giving it to the gardener, now they want to give it to the maid.”
Dr. Semaj also identified gender issues and the use of cultural symbols as other parts of the emotional agenda in this election. His observation goes to the heart of what this election is about. While, not visible on the campaign agenda, there is no question that the class card is a motivating force for the ruling classes.
Portia Simpson Miller, who is from the majority black underclass, is clearly unacceptable to those who believe that members of the black underclass are incapable of managing their affairs.
We, however, find it reprehensible that 45 years after political independence was achieved, there could be those who believe that there is viability to a political idea that seeks to set upper limits on the upward mobility of a section of the Jamaican population, let alone on the majority.
The contempt for our working women betrayed by those who speak of “giving the country to the maid”, is as backward as apartheid was in South Africa, which thankfully has now been relegated to the backwaters of history. It is ironic that Jamaica, which is credited internationally as having been a major force in the fight to end apartheid in South Africa, could have those here who entertain political sentiments that seek to put a limit on people based on race or class.
Those clinging to this view should understand that while the poor and powerless have invariably been the same people, they should not infer that they are incapable of acting as a powerful social group.
No political movement or class interest that fails to take into account that history in a manner that appreciates rather than depreciates it, will survive. More than that, a political movement that seeks to undermine the spirit and aspirations of our people and their abilities, is trifling with its own demise.
We are confident that such sentiments will not take root in our politics or in our society and Jamaica will continue to be an example of social harmony among classes and races and different ethnicities. It should be as our motto states, ‘Out of many, one people’.
Psychologist, Dr. Leachim Semaj, like so many of us, argued that class issues, which have always been part of Jamaican politics, have emerged in this election among persons who identify their political mantra in words like, “Michael Manley has wrecked this country by giving it to the gardener, now they want to give it to the maid.”
Dr. Semaj also identified gender issues and the use of cultural symbols as other parts of the emotional agenda in this election. His observation goes to the heart of what this election is about. While, not visible on the campaign agenda, there is no question that the class card is a motivating force for the ruling classes.
Portia Simpson Miller, who is from the majority black underclass, is clearly unacceptable to those who believe that members of the black underclass are incapable of managing their affairs.
We, however, find it reprehensible that 45 years after political independence was achieved, there could be those who believe that there is viability to a political idea that seeks to set upper limits on the upward mobility of a section of the Jamaican population, let alone on the majority.
The contempt for our working women betrayed by those who speak of “giving the country to the maid”, is as backward as apartheid was in South Africa, which thankfully has now been relegated to the backwaters of history. It is ironic that Jamaica, which is credited internationally as having been a major force in the fight to end apartheid in South Africa, could have those here who entertain political sentiments that seek to put a limit on people based on race or class.
Those clinging to this view should understand that while the poor and powerless have invariably been the same people, they should not infer that they are incapable of acting as a powerful social group.
No political movement or class interest that fails to take into account that history in a manner that appreciates rather than depreciates it, will survive. More than that, a political movement that seeks to undermine the spirit and aspirations of our people and their abilities, is trifling with its own demise.
We are confident that such sentiments will not take root in our politics or in our society and Jamaica will continue to be an example of social harmony among classes and races and different ethnicities. It should be as our motto states, ‘Out of many, one people’.
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