Whatever the hurt, you must love yourself

It is time to teach our children and ourselves not to let “labels” hurt us when remarks are thrown at us.

This is a form of bullying, and the person throwing the insult at you is the person with the real problem.

Can this important fact be taught in our schools? People of all nationalities were born in TT , it is our home.

We hear the Portuguese called “Portagee”, the Indians “C----e”, the Negroes and the Syrians referred to negatively about their lifestyles. The English are “Limeys”, the American “Yanks.” These are all labels used to convey a “calypso style” behaviour, which can hurt. Nicknames are the norm in Barbados, with Barbadians called “Bajans,” and who judge their society as upper class if they have the most money or their skin colour is lightest. Like Williams, I do not have the answer to these remarks that we as a society have gotten used to, hurting each other in the name of “fun.” I think it has to start with the Ministry of Education and parents in the home speaking to their children daily, and from the cradle, to let them know they were born into this world complete, just the way they are, whatever skin colour — white or black, ugly or pretty.

They will make up for any shortcomings that are rudely thrown at them by realising they are intelligent and can become anything they want for themselves. They are beautiful just the way they are and must look within themselves for the strength to endure.

PATRICIA BLADES via email