Dear Editor,

I wish to respond to the letter, "Propaganda Month?" by Michael A Dingwall in the Jamaica Observer of October 18, 2012. He was very disrespectful of the history, heritage and culture of the African people. As a man of African descent - whether he likes it or not - judging from his piece, his disrespect is obvious, but that's his prerogative.

Mr Dingwall is convinced that Africans were not torn away from their homeland, but instead their own people sold them for mere trinkets. As if that wasn't sufficient insult to our ancestors, he went on to state that it was a lie to say that the Europeans involved in African slavery got rich at our expense, and he also placed on the same level the supposed participation of our people in slavery as that of the Europeans.

To him, the notion of Africans' past greatness is a myth because, as far as he knows, it is not evidenced in our written, recorded or cinematic history. This to me only proves how little, if any knowledge he has of his own history. While dismissing any notion of African greatness and resistance to slavery as lies and fables, he is quite comfortable to denigrate them and willingly accept and regurgitate spiteful and calculated tales perpetuated against us through European history and culture.

It seems Mr Dingwall's self-hate is his own disease. However, I would prefer if he would seek to find a cure instead of propagating it while apologising for the atrocities of Europeans against our ancestors. I find it rather strange that Europeans can travel to various countries which have majority black populations and confess the sins of their forefathers against black people, sometimes in such graphic details - trembling, crying and begging for forgiveness on their behalf. Yet, in the same breath you have descendants of the injured party behaving as though their ancestors weren't wronged and that there is no reason for apology or restitution.

Is Mr Dingwall trying to showcase his debating prowess by virtue of his approach and writing style? Note that he also took the opportunity to use the weaker argument to try to defeat the stronger one. This has nothing to do with the so-called truth which he insists that most of us don't like. Mr Dingwall, you might be educated and you may be a skilful writer, judging from the various articles you have written, but what have you learned? What do you hope to contribute to society and life in general? Find yourself, my friend!

Urijah Deacon

rastadeacon@yahoo.com