Esther Tyson, in her widely-cited article, 'Rampin' Shop - musical poison,' insists hot-headedly that we are doomed for destruction unless the decent, well-thinking citizens of Jamaica act forcefully to preserve the innocence of our children. Here, like many quasi-intellectuals before her, she is misguided as to the appropriate plan of action. It is not The Gleaner's readership that she needs to convince - for I believe most of us perceive how the lyrics of Rampin' Shop may negatively influence our children - but rather, the indecent bad-thinking citizens who are die-hard fans of dancehall music.

Censorship

Time after time, these intellectual debates are raged without the knowledge of the people who feel most strongly, however misguidedly, that dancehall lyrics should not be censored. The Government needs to empower the Broadcasting Commission to enforce strictly the children's code for programming, but not until all of Jamaica is convinced that such action is warranted. Otherwise, censorship will be considered another instance of supposedly educated, middle-class Jamaicans oppressing the lower classes.

Such a reaction would be motivated by ignorance, yes, but the reality cannot be disregarded. Why, then, is there little or no effort to bridge the gaping divide in perspectives?

Most Jamaicans do not read newspapers; sadly, many cannot, as we have a most inefficient education system. Therefore, we end up having national newspapers, which present one-sided views with trite arguments. People like Tyson, who feel strongly about the need for censorship, should work pro-actively in the communities of Jamaica, to convince the average person that lewd lyrics truly destroy the psyche of our children, because intellectual petulance alone will accomplish nothing.

I am, etc.,

JAVED SAUNJA JAGHAI

sandevaj@gmail.com

Dartmouth College

New Hampshire