Professor Hope: Haircut Claims Raise Self-Hatred Concerns

Culture and Gender Studies Professor at the University of the West Indies, Donna Hope, says Jamaica still has some way to go before citizens show respect and fairness to each other. This comes after allegations of a Clarendon woman being shaved against her will in police custody swirled on Emancipation Day.

Professor Hope says it is unfortunate that in the 21st century, Jamaicans continue to face acceptance struggles based on their religious preference and physical appearance. She notes the strained relationship with the Rastafari community and the police dating back to the Coral Gardens incident in 1963, shortly after becoming an independent nation.

Professor Hope says if the claims are true, it will reverberate some amount of self-hatred for our black identity from those in power. However, she notes some skeptics suggesting the woman was not shaved by the police and says if the claims are untrue, this would drive a greater wedge between Rastas and the security forces.

More in this CVM Live story from Neika Lewis: