Dear Editor,

I can’t believe the nonsense and hate being spewed by many at United Kingdom X Factor front-runner contestant and Jamaican, Dalton Harris after a photo circulated online showing him (in a group photo), being hugged while seated on leg of fellow male contestant, Brendan Murray.

The response from much of Jamaica is not a good look at all; in fact it is embarrassing to Jamaica. As Harris said, “we are not that dumb”. Funny enough there is no similar accusation or response about Murray, the white male contestant doing the embracing and hugging, which to me looks more like a spontaneously gesture done in jest and fun, for a quick group photo. Come on Jamaica, we are much bigger and better than this.

Dalton’s response to the negativity was perfect though, and right to the point: “I will not respond with anger or frustration. Your attitude reflects your mind; do not project your issues on me. I am a grown man. Have no issue or confusion where my sexuality and masculinity is concerned … When you type your negative comments and have a laugh or breaking someone down or making something into a negative how does it: change your state of living, are you more wholesome? More successful, better at your job? More accepting of yourself?”

We know that simple minds tend to breed simple thoughts, fortunately Harris’ success does not hinge on Jamaica and what some may (or may not) think about the photo.

Harris is incredibly talented, he has an outstanding vocal range rarely heard these days. He is now tipped to win this year’s X Factor at the finals in December.

His X Factor songs continue to soar on iTunes charts, the highest ranking of any contestant on the show. He has promoted Jamaica at every chance he got on the show, despite growing up in poverty in Jamaica. In an interview published in the UK Metro News, he spoke about the extreme physical abuse he suffered as a child and the poverty he endured. He was homeless as a young teen and slept behind churches and schools. He was often told to kill himself. He grew up without love and has no contact with parents he said. It is indeed a sad life story, but God does work in mysterious ways. Harris is truly gifted and finally has a platform to nurture and share his gift with the world. He is now enjoying the success and love he deserves. He has been through so much pain already, for goodness sake, let us not try to inflict more.

P Chin