Mavado (left) and Bounty Killer
Last week, we solicited your views on the decision by the Guyanese government to ban dancehall artistes Mavado and Bounty Killer. Below are some of our readers' views.
Barring artistes least of Jamaica's worriesTHE EDITOR, Sir:
It is really distressing the way dancehall is perceived by some people who do not fully understand its depth.
For the Guyanese government to place a ban on these artistes can be viewed from two perspectives: (a) They may be saying it is to protect the citizens of their country; (b) they may be under pressure from gay activists there.
I have a feeling it is the latter. Frankly, Guyanese are not obliged to listen to dancehall. We only need their rice. Banning the artistes is the least of our worries right now.
I am, etc.,
KEISHA MITCHELL
alique44@yahoo.com
Dancehall behind wave of immoralityTHE EDITOR, Sir:
We have not been ganging up on dancehall. Not at all. We are instead ganging up on the violent and disgusting content that is contained in much of the music that dancehall represents.
After 20 years of exposing the young people to it, we have created a culture of pure violence and murder and hate.
Music? Is this what they call music? That is pathetic. If you want to put your finger on a specific cause of the present moral decay in Jamaica today, look no further. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, the culprit - dancehall.
Mavado and Bounty Killer especially have been targeted because they have been identified as the main offenders. Performers are now being made to be responsible for what they sing, and the message they send.
Jamaica needs a fresh start. A new beginning, and dancehall and its culture have no future in a decent, moral society. Dancehall has deteriorated into an abyss of filth and gun-slinging lyrics. Our young men are hypnotised by it and are acting out what these songs say in real life.
The best news I heard recently was the banning of these two deejays by Guyana! They should not even stop there.
Decent people are sick and tired of the vile and violence-laced songs, some of which actually enjoy airplay on radio!
I am, etc.,
DANIELLE KATZ
goodheartgal07@hotmail.com
Bad omen for regional unity
THE EDITOR, Sir:
It is my opinion that Bounty and Mavado should not be banned. This is definitely an attempt by the Guyanese government to gang up on dancehall.
To think at a time when we as Caribbean nations should be looking to solidify the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, we are seeking to alienate those persons of another island who promote hardcore dancehall.
What is the real objective of the Guyanese?
I am, etc.,
HALEEM ANDERSON
halkim77@yahoo.com
