THE EDITOR, Sir:
IN LAST Thursday's Gleaner, under 'Note-Worthy', a letter captioned 'Student silence' brought to the fore a very disturbing situation which has kept me thinking ever since I read it.
The writer stated that the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Bruce Golding, spoke out about the silence and unconcerned attitude of university students with regards to the nation's business. She continued to say that being a postgraduate of the University of the West Indies, she had learned that in order to survive as a student in that institution, one had to 'see and blind' and 'hear and deaf' as far as speaking and writing about policies are concerned.
FEAR
Based on the political situation within the institution, "many students just want to graduate and migrate to find a better standard of living and earning. Out of fear, they do not oppose many ideologies because of the repercussions which could be manifested in many ways," she wrote.
My concern is based on the fact that if freedom of speech and opinion is suppressed at this level of the society, it would be no surprise that some graduates and postgraduates display a kind of attitude when they leave the institution. I am also distressed that individuals who find themselves in such noble institutions of learning, would be afraid of speaking out at the 'right' time. It would seem to me then that when they do speak and sometimes protest, there is no just cause for it, since they keep quiet about more serious issues.
It is quite noble and courageous of this lady to speak out on this matter. Although somewhat late, I hope that those in these institutions who thrive on this kind of substandard behaviour will realise that it is being noticed, and that they will do something to correct it.
These are some of the reasons why some young people detest older ones and will tell you, 'one up', that they don't deal with them. Respect given is respect earned. This practice also contributes to the 'brain drain' the country is experiencing. Are you setting the right example?
I am, etc.,
ROSE DEWAR
rldewar@hotmail.com
via Go-Jamaica
