Dear Editor,
Arrogance, insensitivity and ignorance constitute a really bad cluster of personal attributes. In the case of an aspiring or sitting leader, whether religious, political or educational leader, it is just not acceptable.
Each culture has its own manifestations of cultural practices, gestures and religious beliefs. Contrary to popular belief, there are practising Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists and atheists making equal contributions to the development of Jamaica.
Humility and respect are essential attributes and core values of any civilised society; indeed such core values should be at the top of every school's agenda. While the external manifestations of these values may take various forms, they do exist in all civilisations.
It is thus particularly regrettable that the Principal of Jamaica College, Ruel Reid, tried to justifying his Christian tent during school hours. Maybe Mr Reid was playing to the gallery, but in so doing did he expose how he felt about non-Christian cultural and social practices?
Mr Reid, when did schools take the place of religious training institutions, and should school teachers take the place of religious experts? Moreover, he seems to be assuming the "strange" role of high priest, imam, pundit or archbishop to host such a crusade.
Leaders, especially leaders of educational institutions, must demonstrate a higher level of humility, humanity and cultural sensitivity. The present episode is exceedingly distasteful and has served as an example of why teachers and principals should stop imposing their personal beliefs on students. One expects leaders to seek to strengthen, not weaken, the bonds of inter-social harmonious relations.
Andrew King
abking020@gmail.com
Ruel Reid and religion at JC
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Arrogance, insensitivity and ignorance constitute a really bad cluster of personal attributes. In the case of an aspiring or sitting leader, whether religious, political or educational leader, it is just not acceptable.
Each culture has its own manifestations of cultural practices, gestures and religious beliefs. Contrary to popular belief, there are practising Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists and atheists making equal contributions to the development of Jamaica.
Humility and respect are essential attributes and core values of any civilised society; indeed such core values should be at the top of every school's agenda. While the external manifestations of these values may take various forms, they do exist in all civilisations.
It is thus particularly regrettable that the Principal of Jamaica College, Ruel Reid, tried to justifying his Christian tent during school hours. Maybe Mr Reid was playing to the gallery, but in so doing did he expose how he felt about non-Christian cultural and social practices?
Mr Reid, when did schools take the place of religious training institutions, and should school teachers take the place of religious experts? Moreover, he seems to be assuming the "strange" role of high priest, imam, pundit or archbishop to host such a crusade.
Leaders, especially leaders of educational institutions, must demonstrate a higher level of humility, humanity and cultural sensitivity. The present episode is exceedingly distasteful and has served as an example of why teachers and principals should stop imposing their personal beliefs on students. One expects leaders to seek to strengthen, not weaken, the bonds of inter-social harmonious relations.
Andrew King
abking020@gmail.com
Ruel Reid and religion at JC
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