Jamaicans, on a whole, strive to be modern, I would say.  We want and use all the modern ‘gadgets’ on offer, including social media.  We dislike when foreigners think that we are a backward set of people who live in tree houses.  We hate that foreign news presenters often present Jamaica as dangerous.  We want to be acknowledged and recognized by the world for our successes in businesses and in all other aspects.

Don’t get me wrong, we are a nation with plenty of talent, a nation with citizens who are hard-working and successful, a nation that boasts about being proud of our country.  However, as a nation, do we deserve the respect that we demand?

Look at what is happening to people in our nation.  Some pull out their handguns and shoot up in the air to celebrate special events; some bribe law enforcers to avoid traffic/speeding tickets; some kill their neighbours over a drug run gone wrong; some lead and fund drug runs; some bribe to procure business; some threaten witnesses to crime; some threaten victims who would ordinarily be protected by the law; some molest children; some sexually harass, molest and rape women; some scam their fellow citizens for their own financial gain; some use their social and/or economic status/position to take advantage of others, in all forms, yet would frown upon the same behaviour of those they believe to be ‘below’ them.  This list could go on.

When did Jamaica become so uncivilized?  Why has Jamaica become so uncivilized?  Is it because we have slowly been making allowances for this behaviour?  Are we using excuses like “Well, they do it, so why shouldn’t I?”  or “I should allow for them to do it, because I did something as bad.”?  Is the law not protecting our civil needs and rights?  Why isn’t the law protecting our civil needs and rights?  Are we afraid of the consequences that might occur if we stand up, speak up and demand better?  What exactly are those consequences and why are we afraid of them?

Way back, many centuries ago, as any country’s population grew from a few to many, there came the need for rules.  Laws of that particular country were formed and those who did not abide by said laws were appropriately punished.  This has not changed.  There came a need for civilization way back when and there is still a need for civilization now.  Yet, from where I sit, I see that Jamaica is moving backwards and becoming a set of uncivilized people.  Where has our civilization gone?