Perspective: Mother Africa Watch Out … Jamaica, True To Her Roots…
Aisha Praught’s 3000 Gold …
Sport View: As a people we never fail to marvel. The recent mining of gold in the 3000 steeplechase at the 21st. Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast, Australia by Jamaican Aisha Phaught is no fluke. It has taken the world by storm, however, you should not be alarmed. As a true Jamaican, I am not surprised at all at this success in this long-distance race. We are as unpredictable as the weather. We are also very true, as a people of our African descent. The Kenyans, the Somalians, the Ugandans, the Ethiopians, the Nigerians, the South Africans and others … you all better look out. Jamaicans are on the move and this recent win in the 3000 Steeplechase by Aisha Praught, is just a signal to the world, do not ever take us for granted.
Our geographic size, or relatively small land mass should not be used to measure our potential for success … this is a true case of when they say ‘size does not matter’ in the long run, no pun intended. We have produced the fastest men, female pocket rocket and now a long distance superstar. We stand Eiffel Tower tall in the athletic world.
Poetic Commentary
A born Jamaican of reggae land
A descendant from Africanation
Caring not about pigmentation We only rate high production …
A Jamaican can be a treasure …
Seeing us perform is a pleasure
A highly talented human being
Real actors on the world scene…
Seeing our athletic stride …
Makes me beam with joy, & pride Crossing the finish line first …
Can solicit an unbridled outburst
Who cares about pigmentation?
Racism is an abomination …
Not for serious adoration …
Racially bent in need, education?
Do not watch our land size
We’re not big, but we are wise …
We always punch up in weight …
Even as you marvel at our gait
Next time you see a Jamaican
View in awe, with admiration …
Frown if … fall below expectation
Or if conduct is an abomination
Let us never be button holed
Even if previously we were sold ..
Never to ever fall in any mould …
As per expectation or as foretold
Ah, ah, ah ….
Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent & Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.
