Dear Sir,

Just listening to the news and hearing the problems that the teachers are dealing with really makes me think much about our government. Particularly about the men and their macho attitudes.

They have to learn to think very hard before speaking, particularly when speaking to or about women. They do not understand that when they make statements to groups where there is a combination of men and women, they should leave their attitudes of authority in the cupboard and learn to deal with the problem at hand.

They have to really think hard and choose their words wisely because when they make derogatory statements concerning the women spoken to, they are unknowingly talking about women generally. This collective embraces their mothers, aunties, grandmothers.

They should stop, think and say to themselves, “How would I speak to the females in my family?”

One problem I find black males have is our macho, egotistical and self-centred attitudes towards black women, and it is about time that we mature and look at them as equals. They play as big a role in societies around the world as we men, so they must be respected as we would respect the males.

We have got to learn to work together and grow away from thinking of someone working for me. “Working with me” is a big difference.

Think of the times when your mother raised you and the loving she gave to raise you and helped you to grow into the person you are today when Daddy was not around.

So, for the love of God, think before you speak and choose the right person for the job at hand, regardless of gender, and lay aside your stinking attitudes so that you can grow mentally and mature.

You will surprise yourself at the outcome and the unity that will grow. Think, think, think before you speak. Our children are our leaders of tomorrow and if you are saying to them that their mothers cannot do a man’s job, then you have the horse by the tail. If you are being led by the tail, I can see why the country is in trouble.

I pray that you will all have a very merry Christmas and, as you sit around the table, take a good look at the woman or women sitting there and think.

WENDELL HASSELL

Sandys