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As far back as 2018, officers in the St. Andrew South Division expressed concern about young people using the slang term “fully dunce” to applaud those who proudly state they are illiterate. According to the police, the term was used by people who openly declared they would use violence to deal with various issues because they did not have the ability to use reason to resolve their problems in other ways and were not interested in doing so.

Calls For Action

While discussing the matter, a senior police officer in St. Andrew acknowledged that some members of the public may not consider this a serious issue, but noted that security forces had been facing the “fully dunce” attitude on a daily basis as they went about their duties on the streets of Jamaica. He felt that officials in agencies other than law enforcement should point out the dangers of praising individuals who dropped out of school and proclaimed their illiteracy as a point of pride. If this idea, supported by some dancehall entertainers, was not addressed quickly, the officer believed it would foster a new generation of violent people who were not open to reason and who would eventually bring destruction to the country.

Music Culture Not To Blame

The “fully dunce” concept grew in popularity via social media and was mentioned by Jamaican Information Minister Robert Morgan in 2022 when it manifested in trending songs such as “Dunce Cheque” by Valiant. The dancehall genre has often been blamed for all of society’s ills, but according to panelists at the February 2023 staging of “Grounation,” a symposium sponsored by the Institute of Jamaica during the celebration of Reggae and Black History Months, dancehall should not be blamed for so-called “dunce culture.” Reggae poetry lecturer Dr. Isis Semaj from the University of the West Indies, stated that people are first exposed to “dunce” in the classroom by a teacher. Semaj said the idea is learned early, when teachers call students “dunce” and organize their classrooms so that “smart kids” have seats in the front of the room, and students in the back are “dunce.” Music is a reflection of trends already in existence in a culture.

Students Promote Cancellation of Dunce Culture

In 2023, youth counselors used a special forum at the St. Augustine Place of Safety in Clarendon to encourage young people not to buy into the “fully dunce” idea, but to cancel it by becoming “fully bright” instead. The deputy youth mayor of May Pen and keynote speaker, Ashanti James stated that there are disadvantages to being “dunce” and that education “really is the key to success.” James encouraged young people to get a good education regardless of their situation. Assistant manager of the St. Augustine Place of Safety Rohan Burrell noted that dunce culture promoted the “wrong things” to children and indicated that “doing good” was unfashionable. Burrell wanted the children to understand that rewards from dunce culture were not lasting, canceling it could only encourage literacy, and knowledge is power.

Concerns Overblown?

There are a number of Jamaicans who wonder if the concern over “dunce” is misplaced as many slang terms that have horrified the public at large in the past have harmlessly been absorbed into the culture without causing the dissolution of society. While not supporting the idea that illiteracy is a good thing, they point to terms such as “wicked,” “bad,” “terrible,” “dawg,” and “thug,” which brought considerable worries about the march toward moral decay in the past but have over time been adapted and normalized through use. “Wicked” is now a positive description of something, and “bad” means good. These observers wonder if the same thing could happen to “dunce” through the normal evolution of spoken language. They note that other words and phrases thought to be reprehensible at one time become acceptable, normalized, and tamed through use.

Photo – Deposit Photos

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Robert Nesta Marley (Bob Marley) the original King of Reggae is arguably one of the most influential artists of his time. Not only because of the fame he brought to Jamaica, but also because of how his music and wisdom transcended boundaries and changed lives. His music wasn’t just catchy tunes; it was so influential that it fuelled revolutions and socio-political changes worldwide. Here are 7 Bob Marley lyrics that resonate with timeless wisdom:

“One Love, One Heart…Let’s Get Together and Feel Alright” – One Love, 1981

This anthem of unity and harmony reminds us that everyone deserves love and so we should love without reservations.

This anthem of unity and harmony reminds us that everyone deserves love and so we should love without reservations.

“Don’t Worry About a Thing, ‘Cause Every Little Thing Gonna Be All Right.” – Three Little Birds, 1980

Bob encourages us to have a positive outlook on life as it help us navigate through tough times.

“Everything’s Gonna Be All right.” – No Woman No Cry, 1974

In the spring of 1974 when this song was released, surging oil prices crippled Jamaica’s economy, raising energy costs by $200 million. It was this chant on the broadcast that kept many countrymen going despite the depression. It still keeps us going today.

“Emancipate Yourself From Mental Slavery, None But Ourselves Can Free Our Minds.” – Redemption Song, 1980

Arguably one of the most powerful lyrical calls from Bob Marley this song tells us that true freedom starts within. You can only achieve as much as you think you can.

“Get Up, Stand Up, Stand Up For Your Rights.” – Get Up, Stand Up, 1973

Encouraging activism and the pursuit of justice, this lyric ignites the fire within to be your own advocate.

  “If You Know Your History,  Then You Know Where You Coming From” – Buffalo Soldier, 1983

This serves as a reminder that true confidence comes from knowing who you are and where you come from. Know your past to know yourself.

“So I Throw My Cards On Your Table” – Is This Love, 1978

When you’re in a relationship, do all you can, be transparent and be honest with your partner.

Bob Marley’s words reach across generations, bringing wisdom and inspiration. His songs about love, unity, and power are still relevant today. Through his music, he keeps telling us that oftentimes, we can be the change we want to see.

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