I left Jamaica in 1986, full of hope and dreams, believing that America was a land of opportunity where I could build a better life. My journey began in the peaceful hills and lush greenery of the Jamaican countryside, where I was raised with old-school morals and decency. Life in Jamaica was simple but fulfilling, rooted in a deep sense of community, respect for others, and a connection to nature. However, after nearly four decades in America, I have come to realize that this society has changed drastically—and not for the better.
When I first arrived in America, I was struck by the fast pace of life. The opportunities were vast, but so were the challenges. At first, I marveled at the conveniences of modern life, the bustling cities, and the diversity of people. But over time, I began to notice a shift—a decline in the very fabric of society, particularly within the Black community, that has left me deeply troubled.
The Erosion of Respect and Politeness
One of the first things I noticed was how children here have lost their respect for their elders. Back in Jamaica, we were taught to be polite, to greet our elders with a smile and a respectful “Good morning” or “Good evening.” It was a sign of good upbringing, a reflection of the values instilled in us by our parents and grandparents. But here in America, it seems that such simple courtesies are becoming rare. Children talk back to their parents, show no respect for authority, and seem more interested in their gadgets than in learning the values that will guide them through life.
A Community Torn Apart by Gossip and Pettiness
In Jamaica, our community was our family. We looked out for each other, shared in each other’s joys and sorrows, and uplifted one another. But in America, I have witnessed how the Black community has been torn apart by gossip and petty behavior. Instead of supporting each other, we seem more interested in tearing each other down. Neighbors no longer speak to one another with kindness; instead, they spread rumors and engage in idle talk that only breeds division and mistrust. This toxic behavior has weakened our community, leaving us vulnerable to the many challenges we face.
The Decline of Strong, Responsible Men
Growing up in Jamaica, I saw what it meant to be a man. Men were providers, protectors, and leaders in their households. They took their responsibilities seriously and were proud to be the backbone of their families. But here in America, I have seen too many men who have abandoned their roles. They shy away from responsibility, leave their children without fathers, and refuse to stand up as men should. This decline in strong, responsible men has left a void in our community, one that has been filled with despair and a lack of direction.
A Society Plagued by Crime and Drugs
Crime and drug usage have become a plague on the Black community in America. I remember a time when people worked hard and earned an honest living, no matter how modest. But now, it seems that too many young men and women are turning to crime and drugs as an escape from the hardships of life. This destructive path has not only led to the loss of countless lives but has also eroded the very soul of our community. The violence, the addiction, the broken homes—they are all symptoms of a deeper sickness that is eating away at our people.
A Return to Righteousness
As I reflect on these changes, I cannot help but compare the life I knew in Jamaica with what I see here in America. In the mountains of Jamaica, we lived in harmony with nature, with respect for each other and for the world around us. Our values were simple, yet profound—love, respect, responsibility, and community. These are the very values that are now missing from so much of life in America, particularly within the Black community.
In recent years, I have found solace in returning to my roots, spending more time in Ghana, where I feel a deeper connection to my heritage and to a way of life that is more in tune with the values I was raised with. It saddens me to see the disintegration of the Black community in America, but I believe that we can find our way back to righteousness if we remember where we came from and the values that once guided us.
We must stop the gossip, reclaim our responsibilities as men and women, and teach our children the importance of respect and hard work. Only then can we begin to heal and rebuild our community into one that is strong, united, and rooted in righteousness.
The journey from the hills of Jamaica to the streets of America has taught me many things, but most importantly, it has shown me that no matter where we are, we must hold on to our values and never forget who we are. It is only by doing so that we can rise above the chaos and reclaim the dignity and decency that our ancestors fought so hard to preserve.
