Dear Editor,

The following is an open letter to Tanya Stephens:

I agree with you when you said Miss Lou did not liberate you.

Mentally you are still shackled.

When you were singing “pon the side and handle the ride”, millions of people worldwide were embracing Jamaican patois because of Miss Lou.

While you were giving “boom wuck and drawing for your finger”, the Jamaican culture of the bandana, our folk music, our heritage from slavery to the Maroons were recognised because of Miss Lou.

See, Tanya, people like yourself think too much of the hype you have got on what many mistakenly call music and talent.

People like yourself and Ishawna will never truly embrace people like Miss Lou and what they have done for Jamaican culture, and I am talking about the real culture now, not the dutty wine or skin out that so many in ignorance embrace.

One of the greatest trivialities of the black race is that many like yourself will never truly be free.

Miss Lou is, was, and will always be an icon, one that Jamaicans will be proud of for decades to come. Her history is well-written, while yours may well be on a chalkboard.

No, Tanya, Miss Lou did not liberate you. For one to be liberated, one has to have the concept of freedom, intellectually and otherwise; you still have a long way to go to get there.

Support women of power, don’t attack them.

Years of mumbling about the “big ninja bike” and “It’s a pity” have not got you very far, but still support the world icons from Jamaica.

Try to elevate the conversation; change something.

Time spent lambasting others on social media is time wasted.

Grow up, Tanya, to be so bitter and envious at your age is not a good look.

Have a wonderful day.

Michelle Bradshaw

phillipsmichelle57@yahoo.com