Comments on: Bloggers Unite for Human Rights

By: ESTEBAN AGOSTO REID

ESTEBAN AGOSTO REID — Sun, 18 May 2008 23:14:46 +0000

Jamaican Dawta, I will get back in touch with you regarding the bible.RESPECT!

By: Jamaican Dawta

Jamaican Dawta — Sun, 18 May 2008 00:10:04 +0000

Esteban: Now that you mention it, I remember you stating all that, lol.

I’m a skeptic as well, so I’m interested in hearing how the bible appears to be more comprehensible to you now. We can discuss via e-mail, if you wish.

Stunner: I hope so too, bro. Thanks for the kind words.

By: Stunner

Stunner — Sat, 17 May 2008 23:54:46 +0000

Indeed a great post Jamaican Dawta! Sexual abuse of minors is something we as a nation seem to turn a blind eye on as we are not doing enough to curb this age old affliction that is growing everyday. As I read your post it brought back to mind that incident I posted about a little while ago (which you mentioned) which just tears up my heart. Good suggestions and hopefully not just our government will take this matter serious and do something, me, you and the entire Jamaica and the world on a whole.

By: ESTEBAN AGOSTO REID

ESTEBAN AGOSTO REID — Sat, 17 May 2008 21:46:35 +0000

I am still thinking about it, but as indicated previously,when asked a somewhat similar question by you at the end of 2007. If I remember correctly,my response was, that I am the original or prototype procrastinator and such a psychology on my part, could ,or, may result in defeating the purpose and objective of starting a blog.Also, the books which I alluded to, in terms of reading for the year 2008, I am still re-reading the Bible and the others are on hold for now.Interestingly, having re-visited the Bible at this stage or passage in my life,it appears much more comprehensible for me today,even as a skeptic philosophically speaking, than when I attended Sunday school,church and chapel each morning while in high school.Quite frankly, I think the reason for this, is that I am reading it on my own volition as opposed to being forced or required to do so.Back to the question of the blog,with your insistence, I may just get the ball a rolling.RESPECT!!

By: Jamaican Dawta

Jamaican Dawta — Sat, 17 May 2008 21:18:27 +0000

Esteban: As usual, well said! Appreciate your insight and kind comments.

So, when are you going to start your blog?

By: ESTEBAN AGOSTO REID

ESTEBAN AGOSTO REID — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:06:48 +0000

An outstanding and cerebral post Jamaican Dawta.Longbench’s and Zelda’s perspectives regarding teachers and parents roles, duties and responsibilities, respectively, in terms of the child abuse crisis in Jamaica is well comprehended by this reader.Interestingly, both perspectives are well argued and as you eloquently and rightly contend “there’s no one cause that’s the total problem,” and in essence, they are not, and may not be mutually exclusive. Indeed, the problem of child abuse in Jamaican society is enormous and monumental.Nonetheless, as a people and a society, we need to start addressing how to resolve this garagantuan task.Certainly,the proverbial horse has already gone through the gate,but the work is still at hand and confronts us daily.Also, the only way to address or tackle this problem is a massive pedagogical revolution,meaning;education, re-education,and re-socialization of Jamaican people, touching all walks of life and penetrating all the nooks and crannies of Jamaican society where ignorance abound with respect to this salient issue.Admittedly, your analogy of Martin Luther’s 95 theses is extremely apropos.Because, Jamaica is desperately in need of a revolution or some form of radical transformation, or, metamorphosis regarding the question, problem,and issue of child abuse within our afflicted and troubled society.Interestingly,if we as a society can bring about this revolution,one is of the perspective that we would immediately see over a period of time, a significant decrease in the high incidence of crime,violence,murder, mayhem ,and socio-pathic behaviour and tendencies extant in our society today.Because, and remarkably so, there is a strong and significant correlation between the incidence of child abuse, which in Jamaica’s case most such incidents and experiences are undocumented, and the astronomical high incidences of crime, resulting in us,Jamaica, being the murder capital and killing field of the world. Jamaican Dawta ,mi seh fi mek the list and mek wi nail it to every school,church,house,government building,Parliament,rum bar,dance hall and disco.Interestingly,you have already taken on the vanguard role in this process of reform via your excellent post.RESPECT!!

By: Jamaican Dawta

Jamaican Dawta — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:17:05 +0000

Zelda: Of course, there’s no one cause that’s the total problem. I don’t think that’s what Long Bench meant either. But that point is worth considering and shows that teachers’ resistance is ONE contributing factor that needs to be addressed. I think it’s particularly significant because our educators, like parents, play a vital role in shaping the minds of the youth. They spend more time with them than some, if not most, parents, per day, per week.

Hmmm, if parents are still children themselves, then I believe they have no business becoming parents.

So, we’re back to square one again – education. Yes, for the parents, since it all starts at home. But also for everyone, whether a biological parent or not. The fact is things are so bad now that we ALL have to get involved. De horse dun gawn t’ru de gate!

Dave: Welcome! Thanks for your kind comments.

Ah, if that statement were more of a reality.

By: Dave Donelson

Dave Donelson — Fri, 16 May 2008 10:15:43 +0000

An excellent, thorough post. Thanks for your thoughts on this important human rights issue. As the Preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights reminds us, “…recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.” Dave Donelson, author of Heart of Diamonds

By: Zelda

Zelda — Fri, 16 May 2008 02:28:44 +0000

JD, thanks for writing this so factual post on Child Abuse and the rights of the child. This one is certainly difficult to deal with. The fact that “It takes a village to raise a child,” does not work any
more. People have become overly protective of their children in the wrong way; meaning that they do not protect them from danger, but rather from helpful citizens trying to raise them.
Human Rights groups may have to seriously look at the fact that children are, many times exposed to abuse and danger by their own disobedient and rebellious attitude and by their parents’ neglect and abdication of their responsibilities to them.
While I agree that there are still teachers in the system who may be resistent to changes, I do not see this as the total problem. These are few and may not be directly related to the children who are being abused as many abuses start at home.

The fact is that many parents are still children, themselves. They did not receive any formal training in child care, may not even know for sure what abuse is and if they do know, they are frightened and do not know how to treat it. So, they may not even realise that their child’s right is being infringed on. While children must be educated on certain matters at home first, some parents also need to be educated at another level to help them help their children.

It should never be addressed from the view point that the village, community, teacher or human rights advocate is solely responsible for securing the rights of children. Children should learn to be responsible and their parents are the primary teachers.

By: Jamaican Dawta

Jamaican Dawta — Thu, 15 May 2008 19:58:55 +0000

Dee: Thanks again for inviting me to participate. I was delighted to add my voice. Will check out your post.

Bless up!