Stop, Look, Listen

Recently, a story about a woman who found $1 million (Jamaican)  in an ATM in the Portmore Mall made it to the front page of the Jamaica Gleaner (http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20081229/lead/lead1.html).  Initially, a co-worker mentioned the story to me and I was very impressed with the lady's honesty and integrity (qualities that are unfortunatley lacking today).  However, later on when I actually read the article, the elation I experienced earlier quickly vanished. While this woman sought to do the right thing by alerting someone else (who, coincidently - or perhaps I should say providentially - was a police officer), others ridiculed and "cussed" her.  I couldn't imagine why any well-thinking Jamaican would do that.

That same evening, I was with a group of persons and the same story came up in conversation. Most said they would have taken the money or at least some of it.  They felt she was foolish for turning down what they believed to be a blessing from God.  A couple admitted they would feel guilty for taking it had they been in the same position; but ultimately they would have had no intention of reporting it.

The second verse of our national anthem begins "Teach us true respect for all, stir response to duty's call." Stir response to duty's call.  Note the second line. We all sing it. At sporting events and other social functions; yet when called upon to act, to do the honorable thing, we turn a blind eye.

In situations like these, the true character of an idividual is revealed. If so many persons felt angered by this woman's honesty, to the point of suggesting " 'jook out her eye!' ", what are the implications for us as a people? Already crime and corruption have overrun our land and we feel the effects of it every day.  Nonetheless, we shoot down and trample upon the actions of someone who won't contribute to the ongoing problem.

Day after day we cry "justice!" But is that truly what we seek? How can we, when on one hand we plead with gunmen to cease terrorizing our communities and on the other we all but physically attack a woman for doing good? As simple as taking the money may appear, the ramifications far outweigh the momentary pleasure felt when helping yourself to a few (hundred) "Manleys".  

We need to stop, look, and listen.  Stop - perform an evaluation. Ask yourself: where am I (are we) heading as an individual (as a people)?  Look - examine the evidence. The wave of crime and violence didn't happen overnight.  It grew from the "little" indiscretions, like white lies, and was nurtured by our indifference.  Listen - listen to the cries of parents, of children; listen to the counsel of our fellow Jamaicans; listen to your conscience.  Wrong is wrong - no matter the complexion, intelligence level, or socio-economic status.  We must begin to realize this and correct the problem before we plunge into a state of utter chaos.