THE EDITOR, Sir:
PLEASE ALLOW me space in your medium to give my take on what is fast becoming a controversial topic, 'The good old days.'
I have observed the tendency of contemporary generation to disclaim the accomplishments of previous generations.
Invariably they cite the advances their generation has made in technology, medicine, educational access etc. They scoff at the 'good old days' and its backwardness.
However, when I speak of the 'good old days', I am not at all making any claim to better infrastructure and other social conveniences. I am talking about undoubtedly better relationship among people. This was facilitated by a value system comprising the following fundamentals: each man was his brother's keeper, each person was responsible for his/her community and the community responsible for each, and each person did unto others as they would have them do unto him/her.
What were the results of this value system? There was respect for each other and greater tolerance of each other's shortcomings. No child was without parents because the community assumed responsibility for him/her. Children had respect for their parents and their parents' contemporaries. There was considerably less crime and violence. The incidence of violence in schools was almost non-existent. Teachers, policemen and the elderly were accorded respect.
It would therefore seem, comparing today with the 'good old days', that despite the various advancements this generation has made and for which they should be justly proud, they are still lacking in one indispensable fundamental - humanity! When I wish for the 'good old days' think not that I am yearning for long barefooted miles to school or onerous bundles of wood on my head. Rather, I am wishing for the days when relationships were more pleasant; the days when one loved one's neighbour as one's self. This is the good old days!
I am, etc.,
E. ELPEDIO ROBINSON
Laurel Drive,
Kingston 10,
E-mail: elpedioart@colis.com
