Dear Editor,
In Sunday’s Stabroek News’ letter column (2024/06/30), Ravi Dev penned a letter headlined, “Aubrey Norton, the PNCR and `doctor politics’ “. I liked the tone of his letter. He gave the facts, and his commentary on them, but still left space for the reader to form his or her opinion, or conclusion, or other. I have a voice and wish to comment. Before I do, allow me to clarify “From where I enter.” It is not from the point to bash the middle-class, some of whom are respectable, hard-working, and virtuous people. Further, Mr. Dev wrote about one facet of Guyanese life (politics) that dominates all others, despite their equal importance. I submit to the readers that not only in politics do we see social class imposition. It is there in entertainment, finance, education, and all others parts of Guyanese lives. All. It also cuts through and dissects all ethnic groups. All.
I enter through the following four points: One, while we busy ourselves with class stratification, I suggest there is a greater issue at hand. That issue is self-esteem. It doesn’t have a middle-class or a working-class compartment. It is, as it is. You either have it, or you don’t. Most, but never all, Guyanese would’ve encountered pre- and post- independence challenges to eke out, maintain, restore, and /or embellish our self-esteem. Two, I have seen many declare themselves middle-class, if only because of their “fine threads”, financial standing, and maybe speech. However, with the exception of the western-style imposed attire, everything else that shadows them, comes from the working-class. Their character/personality do not match the creators of the middle-class, and very often, their efforts to join, can be used for a comedy show.
One senses their discomfort, even if not visible. But, the need to belong is a fundamental human need. Making your choice of where you fit still remains the trump-card. The middle-class holds the carrot for the promise of a good life, but why should that not also be the offer, if one choose to situate himself or herself, and remain, in the working-class? What I know is that most people with origins in the working-class, who reject the push into that middle-class classification, do that on the basis of the falsity (of most) in that class, its pretentious behaviours, and rejection of – the other. Very few can claim they live a life of purpose and satisfaction and happiness. Three, the invisible self-esteem, is felt by those who are, or will become your admirers, or followers, or friends. Self-esteem cannot be socially classed. It is reflected in a simple way – do you like yourself? And that cuts across all ethnic groups of Guyana. Self-esteem shines in our moral standing, and sense of self. It is the refusal to be like the other because what you have is also considered (by you), as good, or in some case, even better.
In the dying years of colonialism, the question posed to my Elder, Eusi Kwayana, who had become a government minister was this: “When are you moving to Georgetown?” It was not if, but when. Now, that was presumptuous. Elder Eusi continued to live in Buxton, and travelled to work in Georgetown. Self-esteem has many tentacles, one is trust-in-oneself. “Bat chros iiself mek ii heng from rafta tap.” That trust is born in our culture-group and nurtured as we grow. Yes, along life’s journey, there will be times, based on circumstances, when we need to change or flex “one-one fine-fine” thing about our self. But our self-esteem remains steadfast. What those who want to shove you into the middle-class seek, is to see if they can be highest bidder for how much of yourself you are willing to cede. They want to own your soul. I ask – sell for what? And to whom? The “purchasers “, in essence, are saying that you are not as good as you are, to achieve what they want; I must help you. But look at what they offer.
As A. Erica poet and author, Maya Angelou once stated (I paraphrase), “If you allow people to take a piece of you, soon you will have nothing left.” Four, I close with words from a close friend, and a Caribbean author, both of blessed memory. Instead of class origins and transference, maybe we should ask, “How many generations are you from the hoe?” My grandmother was born in 1838. I have found my answer.
Sincerely,
Janice Imhoff
