Fact
Jamaicans have been beating children, as a means of disciplinary action, for decades, if not centuries, and continue to do so, for a number of reasons, notably because ass-whoopings have been proven, by Jamaicans, to be most effective against the development of wayward adults.
In Jamaica, the Holy Bible is upheld and regarded, by most, as a book of primary Constitutional Rights for Human Beings, and in following the directions of passages such as Proverbs 13:24 which states “He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently”, Jamaican children have always been beaten as a measure of correction.
A well-rooted part of the Jamaican culture which has been applied to children, not only at home, but in schools and churches.
Child Abuse?
Recently, social media revved high when a video of a Jamaican parent, beating her daughter began to circulate online; in addition, heightening to the drama, were the facts that the mother was partially naked and the instrument of choice used to beat the child was a machete.
An unfadable ugliness, to many, which can be clearly understood.
But before pointing fingers of discrimination and resentment, from a seating view of a complete different lifestyle, one must first learn more about the culture of Jamaica and its origin and history of beating children.
Culture vs. Culture
Jamaicans are just as alarmed and frightened when they see children, in other countries, verbally disrespecting their parents, calling them derogatory names, suing them in courts and even killing them, as much as residents and citizens of those countries were alarmed by the actions of the featured Jamaican mother.
Still, the above examples have been established and accepted, worldwide, simply as differences in cultures, by most.
Tough Love!?
It is also a common practice, in Jamaica, for parents to use a variety of instruments when beating children; these instruments are usually not sought after, specifically, but are usually chosen based on availability and proximity.
Reputed as non-abusers of drugs and alcohol, Jamaican parents are usually of sober and conscious minds when beating children.
And while most of the world may view the video, which is clear in assault, as evidence of child abuse or even inhumane, most Jamaicans, who know and understand the culture will note that if the mother’s intention was to fatally harm her child, the machete would be used at a chopping angle and not at a slapping angle; an argument of evidence proving that the mother was conscious of her handling.
Constitutional Laws vs Holy Bible
Deep-rooted in the culture and known as “tough love”, in Jamaica, there is an almost certainty that the arresting officer(s) and the Judge, who will preside over the matter have been beaten, as a means of discipline, by their parents, while growing up too.
“But does this make beating a child, right?”
“No!”
Like all countries, Jamaica has man-made laws, which is deemed as the constitutional rules of the country, despite what the Holy Bible may say.
And an infringement of those laws warrants penalties, which at the discretion of the elected Judge could be as light as a stern warning to one as heavy as the prescribed maximum under the written law.
Cultural Practice vs Laws of the Land
Cultures, including that of Jamaica, are enforced by the suppression and enforcement of some written laws; dormant laws often blindside citizens, making them believe that a cultural habit is a legal act, but such law can, at any time, become active by the usage or ruling of a Judge, which can immediately turn a cultural practice on its head and reshape a country and its future.
Protest vs Result
Many Jamaicans are protesting the condemnation of the mother’s action, with affirmations of love for Jamaica and its current culture.
Some feel that adapting foreign lifestyles and embracing new practices are threats to Jamaica’s unique way of life, and if laws are enforced to penalize parents, who discipline their children, it will result in having less educated and ambitious Jamaicans.
The Question
“Should Jamaicans now spare the rod and spoil the child, as a part of a new direction?”
© Ian T. Sebàs 2017
© Ian T. Sebàs
Bleeding Pen 