Dear Editor,

I refer to Monday’s editorial, “Two-faced Jamaicans: Why are we better when overseas?”

The new environments that Jamaican migrants enter will shape their behaviour. That is, the dominant or super culture will have an impact either to force change or assimilation. While nowhere is perfect and the US has its flaws, there is a heightened level of safety there that does not force residents to behave as if they are in the jungle. Some call it the Rule of Law. There is also the atmosphere of freedom, which allows healthy competition and achievement of personal goals, for which various laws and regulations help to promote in fairness and justice.

Just like the ripple effect of a stone thrown in a pond, Jamaicans seeking a better life overseas also have an impact on the environment they are in, even if they are the only black people in a school, workplace, or community that does not fit negative black stereotypes Because of the resilience of Jamaicans, nurtured from living in a relatively harsh environment, most can adapt to a more open environment to be the best they can be (good or bad), while still retaining their imbedded culture of striving: Hardships there are, but the land is green and the sun shineth.

Richard G Williams

RGWilliams007@msn.com