Dear Editor,

Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding has taken offence at Finance Minister Nigel Clarke’s reference to him as “Massa Mark” and some members of the public are outraged by what they consider to be a racist commment.

The context in which the remark was used and an analysis of the statements that preceded the remark suggests that it’s “much ado about nothing”.

Prior to the Massa Mark statement, Minister Clarke was recounting the accomplishments which his ministry had achieved. In what he described as an aside, Minister Clarke stated the following afterwards: “I saw a clip yesterday when the Opposition leader referred to labourites as ‘d**n fools’. That never sounded like Markie G at all. That sounded like Massa Mark.”

There are two points which should be considered in analysing the finance minister’s actual comments. Firstly, in what context is Golding being referred to as Markie G? It is a nickname, which suggests familiarity or camaraderie, and it implies that Golding is one of us, regardless of status or political affiliation.

Secondly, Jamaicans often add the title “mister” or “miss” to register contempt or disapproval. Can you recall getting in trouble as a child and your parents would reprimand you using the title miss or “missa” before your first name? Every child knows that this means trouble.

In Jamaican parlance, the word massa has the derivative mister, missa, and the connotative meaning slave master, as in “bakra massa”. How can we conclude that Massa Mark was used as a racist slur when the context of the discourse was disapproval of the “d**n fool” comment?

Let’s be fair, Jamaicans have often used the word massa without racist connotation. Take for example the the lyrics from a local gospel song: “Massa God ah God, Massa God ah God. God in di morning, God in di evening, Massa God ah God.” Are we to deduce that God is being described as a slave master? Par contraire! The context of the song suggests superiority and even endearment.

It is unfortunate that the tone and context of the Jamaican expression Massa Mark is being dismissed as racist when it also suggests disapproval.

Markie G, your “d**n fool” comment is not well received, but never mind, Massa God ah God!

Juliet Jackson

Lecturer in English

Northern Caribbean University

julietshemajackson@gmail.com