The Editor, Sir:

I wish to support the plea by Esther Tyson, in her contribution to your paper on February 1, for our government to take a firm stand against the morally destructive practices of those entertainers who use the very powerful media at their disposal to promote very negative attitudes and values. She and other commentators in the print and electronic media, with Ian Boyne being particularly noteworthy, have repeatedly sought to draw attention to the elements in our society who demonstrate a gross disregard for principles which help to ensure a well-ordered and culturally healthy society.

In relation to the promotion of attitudes and values in our country, what we have been engaged in is tantamount to a process of 'one step forward and two steps backward'! On the one hand we see a number of commendable initiatives on the part of schools, churches, government social agencies, NGOs and community-based organisations that seek to inculcate desirable behavioural norms. On the other hand, free rein is given to the very influential medium of popular entertainment - via stage shows, radio, TV and home videos - to present messages and images that contradict what is being promoted in the earlier-mentioned efforts.

While it is a feature of democratic societies to permit freedom of choice and expression in many facets of life, it is a hallmark of a mature, responsible community that those who seek to be purveyors of various forms of popular culture do so with a sense of responsibility for the common good. It is therefore incumbent on entertainers themselves, their promoters and sponsors, and ultimately, the state, to set and maintain limits.

It cannot be acceptable to allow free play to lyrics that fly in the face of an essential feature of successful law-enforcement - lyrics which advocate death for "informers". It cannot be in keeping with even the most basic code of human rights for similar calls to eliminate those whose sexual lifestyle varies from the popular norm in the society. It cannot be in the best interests of a socially and physically healthy community for sex to be presented, for even young children to hear and see, in a crude and vulgar manner.

By way of specific reference, these and other types of debasing activities are presented not only in much of the dancehall music, but also, to some extent, in soca music, in the so-called "roots" plays and in some television films and videos, both local and foreign.

Ultimate authority

I would urge all those in leadership positions in civic society (and a few have been making occasional attempts) to join in a concerted appeal to Government, as the ultimate authority and guardian of the public well-being, to exercise appropriate sanctions and establish guidelines that will be enforced. The alternative will surely see us continuing in a downward spiral of moral decay and social disorder. Our shameful international reputation for crime, corruption and violence, are not merely, in large measure, the consequences of economic deprivation, material greed, social inequality, disordered family life and weak governance structures. They are also intrinsically related to the values, attitudes and belief systems demonstrated in our daily lives.

I am, etc.,

JOHN A MAXWELL

jmxwll@gmail.com

Kingston 6