Placing vanity before all

Jan 27, 2012 Letters

Dear Editor,
Some years ago I heard a story about a poor boy who was a student at Queen College- I pray my memory serves me well. The story goes that he went to school with his shirt darned, which was something not normal or allowed.
The Principal at the general assembly made reference to the shirt, stating the prestige of the college and the value of impeccable standard always; thus he had come to the decision to send the boy home to change his shirt in keeping with the policy/standard of the institution. The boy in turn explained that it was the only shirt he was having.
The story went that the late Walter Rodney- that champion of the working class since at such tender age- and a student there also, got up on a point of order and made representation on the boy’s behalf; pointing out that poor folks attending the college were merely there because of their brains; that some were even having one outfit/uniform -as was the case with this boy-which they would wash in the afternoon/evening.
The shirt, he said, was clean and neatly darned and had nothing to do with his learning. As such he should not be penalized. As was told, Rodney got the attention of the Principal who rescinded his decision.
This story came back to me days gone when a parent beaming with delight that her son had done well at CXC examinations was now attending Q.C-that esteemed institution. In her excitement she went on to tell of some difficulties she encountered getting him in shape; the main one being finding a place for him to stay in Georgetown.
She also boasted about finding some $9,000 for necessary requirements upon entering– monogram, tie, jersey, contingency fee etc. very contrary to the Minister of Education’s carping on in relation to contingency fee.
But what I found strange and hard to figure out was when she mentioned the Administration’s strictness with regards to uniform material: that students are required to wear/make their uniform/pants of a particular material; thus students who turned up wearing drill were told that it was unacceptable.
I honestly couldn’t believe that these things are still happening, l thought that we had made a radical change in respect to some things. Obviously drill would be cheaper and measured in cost to suit the poor man’s pocket. Why then this non¬-acceptance simply because of an economic disadvantage; remember that those poor folks are only there because of their ability-no other considerations!
One can appreciate the insistence and need for quality and high standard yes! But the emphasis ought to be on discipline, neatness, and cleanliness. In any event, should not the education be first in order, over and above quality material?
Hopefully after acquiring their education they may be able to have it all. But why is it that we fail to take an interest in things that seemingly don’t affect us?
It is so sad that we are so far from really becoming One People One Nation One Destiny; that there is no Walter Rodney at this institution with a piercing revolutionary mind and humanitarian working class outlook to stand up and speak up! Like simpletons we sit in a corner and wonder why the things we detest so much are imperceptibly and rapidly consuming us with each passing day.
Frank Fyffe

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Placing vanity before all

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