Shocked, appalled, and completely overwhelmed with emotions of disgust mingled with alarm.That was my condition when I read an article in the Newsday of June 15, written by one of my favourite letter writers entitled "You can trust my face."COP leadership contender Prakash Ramadhar was described by this obviously enamoured writer as possessing "that chutzpah" (whatever that is) "that appeals to all voters."
Praises were showered and heaped in generous servings on Prakash's youthful appearance, "ability to speak clearly and effortlessly" and what the writer went on to describe as a "you can trust my face" kind of looks. This is the same type of shallow nonsense that got Kamla the office of Prime Minister and that is the reason why we in the third world continue to be duped by folks who possess a few admirable external qualities but who on closer inspection may be nothing but sounding brass and tinkling cymbals.
Whether it is Manning's dimples, Ramadhar's charming smile, or Warner's money, we continue to assign quality, integrity and depth of character to people simply because they sound good, look good, speak well, got cute dimples and nice fat "pinchable" cheeks, or are loaded with filthy lucre.To our own political detriment we continue to look on outward appearances while ignoring the internal man. This is the reason so many of our unwary young women fall prey to the lyrics and charms of the suave, chic, debonaire and good-looking young men who dress good and look good and throw money at them when on the inside they are like the biblical "whited sepulchres" filled with the stench and bones of dead men. Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying that a man can't possess the charm and the looks while at the same time have an exemplary character and sterling integrity. My problem is that the boy in the class who may not have the "right" complexion, texture of hair, good looks, foreign accent, and level money to spend at recess time is usually denigrated and overlooked in favour of his more attractive, eloquent, and wealthy classmate. Truth be told I cannot point out one person I know who is somebody of substance today who was a "ranker" back in school. Back in school they were the best dressers, the best lookers, and the best talkers but they all fell by the wayside, victims of a cult that revels in the shallow and superfluous while ignoring the weightier traits of good character, academic achievement, and integrity.
And that my friend is the reason why we continue to let Jack Warner off the hook in so many areas where he would have been impeached already. But then again this is Trinidad and Jack has money.But then again this is Trinidad and Manning is so cute with his boyish smile and nice dimples. And that my friend is why we continue to treat our Keith Rowleys and our Anil Roberts with scorn and contempt as we choose our "Prakashes" Kamlas, and Mannings over them.For though our Anils and Keiths be a little borish, loud, and at times like an old mango tree-a little overbearing, they tend to be good people at heart and there is little wrong we could identify in their usually excellent track record. That being said, come July 3, Prakash may well win the cop leadership simply on good looks, charm, eloquence, and that "chutzpah" whatever that is.
Dave Mckenzie
La Resource South
D'abadie