There seems to be a concerning shift toward what some might label as "dunceness" and it has taken hold of Jamaica, permeating various aspects of society. Dissenting voices are met with resistance, creating an environment where critical thinking is viewed with suspicion, and those who question prevailing norms are ostracised.
I've personally experienced being blocked, unfriended, and excluded from groups merely for expressing dissenting opinions or raising questions. There exists a faction of intellectual snobs who shy away from public discourse, choosing private conversations for fear of tarnishing their popularity in groups. It seems as though the fear of losing favour or facing hindrances in their pursuits has turned many into silent conformists.
In this climate, critical thinking is not nurtured. Instead, conformity is rewarded with acceptance. Disagreement is met with whispers of supposed mental challenges, and individuals who dare to question the status quo risk being marginalised.
Nevertheless, someone needs to illuminate the negatives amid the chorus of praise for the positives. For those who see only the glorious aspects, I encourage you to share your observations, whether through writing, TikTok, or any other medium. Meanwhile, I'll continue expressing my perspectives through my own channels.
Statistics suggest that a significant portion of the Jamaican population struggles with illiteracy, (over 250,000) a figure that may well be underestimated. Now, let's delve into the manifestation of this ignorance in the form of a lack of work ethics within a specific age group, primarily those up to their mid-40s. I call them the half-day schoolers, who attended the ‘Junior Secondary’ high back in the day.
Consider the case of a caregiver, a title bestowed without formal training, who prioritises her appearance over professional commitments. Despite agreeing to start work on a specific morning, she fails to show up, offering a frivolous excuse about completing the braiding of her hair. This lack of responsibility raises questions about the erosion of work ethics in certain segments of society.
Another disconcerting trend involves individuals in doctor's offices and caregiving roles donning uniforms that falsely imply a level of qualification they do not possess. This deceptive practice, coupled with the audacious claim of seeking nursing jobs without the requisite qualifications, raises broader concerns about professional standards and accountability.
As we manoeuvre this cultural shift, it becomes imperative to address these issues and question the erosion of critical thinking. Who sets and maintains the standards? When did such behaviour become acceptable, and who holds the reins of control in our society? These are questions that demand exploration and discussion, despite the prevailing reluctance to engage in critical discourse.
Editors Note:
Mrs. Lois Grant—JP, MA, BA (Hons), Dip Mass Comm, Cert. Broadcast Journalism BBC-London. A trailblazer in communications and culture, her journey began at the now-defunct Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) and soared to leadership at the then-leading advertising and public relations agency, Grimax Advertising. Co-founder of of her own production agency Innercity Promotions, Grant and her partner redefined Jamaican entertainment, playing a pivotal role in the development and branding of the genre, dancehall. In the '90s, Grant founded Corporate Image Communications and Productions, crafting innovative events for corporate and public sector brands. She is also credited with uncovering many of Jamaica’s leading entertainers through the Tastee Talent Contest ..Lois Grant culminated her career as Director of Communications in the office of the Prime Minister of Jamaica.
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7 comments:
Ok 😃
HEART has failed.
Excellent writing....just saying critical thinking has never been a strong point of ours in the first place.....check the so called jamaican constitution....
Here, here
If we want good people in the world we have to start where people come from - the HOME. Arrogance and Ignorance is a toxic mix among our people. The home environment lack role models that could stimulate the young minds, and the education system does not encourage critical Thinking
Agree that the educational system does not encourage critical thinking. You just swot and spit out what you have learned in order to pass your exams. Then you take that same attitude into the world.
Great piece Sis. Lois, it was just two months ago I presented a sermon on the 'dying art of critical thinking.' I can remember the great Wilmot 'Mutty' Perkins emphasizing the fact that one of our problems as jamaicans is, we were no taught to think. I am weary of what I dubbed the 'baby bird syndrome', we open our mouths and swallow as it were every thing we hear without questioning, filtering, analyzing before making decisions. We are rapidly becoming a nation of intellectual invalid. One of the reasons for this mental laziness is the steady diet of Television we have grown up on. The mountain of scientific evidence is indisputable. Prolonged TV viewing in children results in 'permanent brain damage.'
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