It is widely accepted that, of late and as a country, we have fashioned our existence after the worst behaviours from metropolitan countries and in particular the United States.
It must then surprise only a few that our society has appeared to have deteriorated to such levels that fair Helen is unrecognizable to those who are senior amongst us.
We do not have to look very far or dig very deep to see that one of the worst ‘follow fashion’ missteps is actually in the way we dress. Our fashion focus has shifted dramatically over the last decade in ways that could not stand up to firm scrutiny. Most glaring is the issue of sagging pants which results ultimately in the posterior and the underwear being exposed deliberately. Why? What has driven us to adopt this now entrenched fashion phenomenon? Many have suggested that sagging pants originated in US prisons to show sexual status or preference, etc. Some have attempted to debunk that theory. What is fact is that it originated in US prisons but widely because prison uniforms did not always fit properly and belts were not allowed for obvious reasons. The fashion style was then made popular by many hip hop artistes, many of whom had experienced life behind bars.
In colder climates, cotton socks are worn indoors with slippers for purposes of keeping warm. It is now being worn outdoors even when it is not climate appropriate. This has also found its way to the shores of this island with no explanation for its purpose probably except that it was seen in a hip hop/rap video or on the streets in New York or Miami.
Then there is the growing gang culture that has apparently enrolled bodies even in their early teens to participate in gang related activities, including the most heinous of crimes, evidenced by information from local law enforcement. For decades, media reports on gang life in the US has identified younger teens as lookouts and perpetrators of serious crimes particular because they are dealt less severe punishment when caught. That thinking seem to have taken root locally, and in the region generally.
And what about the blatant disregard for law and law enforcement. While there has always been crime and the contravention of law, what is relatively new is the ‘ease of doing business’ in the criminal underworld. The unwarranted and blatant disrespect for the law and law enforcement officers, reeks or western metropolitan communities and translated to fit local environments. One would then understand how this behavior encourages the presence of high-powered weapons on the island, facilitated through importation from large metropolitan cities.
It has been said that our current position is truly and only our fault. Our lack of focus on pushing and concentrating on our own culture may be part of the problem.
There are many things coming out of the larger western environments that can and should be emulated. The way we think of sports and our thinking about the sporting industry and what it can bring to our shores, not to mention untold benefits for local athletes is a classic example. We already have the talent.
What about the way we treat transgressing politicians? Last year a British government minister was sacked for offensive WhatsApp messages, another was dismissed for breaching sleaze rules, while the US and Canada have traditionally had low tolerance for corruption in high office when caught. Many years ago, a Canadian minister was asked to resign, primarily because he utilized a government jet for two days longer than prescribed. By that yard stick, how many of our politicians would have survived in St. Lucia?
The fact is that our ‘follow fashion’ choices must guide our thinking for how we want our beloved St. Lucia not only to exist, but forge ahead and lead by example.