Debates on serious subjects

Debates on serious subjects

In recent months The Jakarta Post daily has been able to publish controversial topics for debate, which is an opportunity for readers to express themselves freely. This to me represents good characteristics of any standard modern newspaper in the world. I particularly appreciated contributions by the Post's readers on street insults directed at foreigners, what others simply label "racism". The result is that some of the culprits will have by now improved their behavior most properly towards other people of different races. As far as the affected foreigners are concerned, many have learned a lesson and have taken note of the situation.

The sad thing is that some readers do not make proper use of this excellent opportunity, but instead use the column for insinuations, abusive words and insults against others. At one time, a reader made a provocative statement suggesting that your views column in the Post should be stopped entirely, even though he is vocal in this column and always uses it to express his own feelings and opinions. It's a wonder the column has been able to survive. Probably it's because the Post is managed by people of wisdom and maturity who believe that freedom of expression is a natural right of humankind without racial prejudices.

I enthusiastically follow the on-going debate about vitriolic criticism of the English language (spoken and written) which has deviated from the original source: British English. This debate has entertainment value only. It is certainly less important for immediate solutions to problems of humanity in this contemporary world where illiteracy, poverty, starvation, wars, earthquakes, corruption and disease still dominate parts of the globe.

I have read in the Post about life-threatening floods and fire-outbreaks in various places, but I have never read about serious and lengthy debates on how to avoid such catastrophes or how best to assist victims. The Post should encourage debates that involve issues on human lives and properties. But if we all ignore the above and insist on debates with entertainment value only then our next topic, after the one on English usage, may perhaps be on women heavily beating men in Zimbabwe, which the Post reported on page one of Jan. 2, 1996 edition. One may ask: Are women in Zimbabwe physically stronger than men?

BUHARI ABDU

Jakarta