Two letters in The Gleaner of March 1, reveal ignorance of the research and statistics linking early sexual initiation with music videos and other media to which children are exposed. I speak with specific reference to letters from S. Taylor and Milton Wray.

The two persons failed to acknowledge that music is effective in advertising. Many advertisers use music and music videos to advertise com-pany products or services. If we do not accept this premise, then we must believe that the billions of dollars that companies spend in advertising their products and services via the electronic media are being wasted. If we believe that music are just artistic expression then these companies are led by idiots who know nothing about marketing. Clearly, I am sure no intellectual will deny that music is a good way of getting persons to notice what a company offers.

Music is not just artistic expression. It is a vehicle for mobilising people, getting their interest and sending messages whether negative or positive.

Irresponsible activity

Consequently, any music video that glorifies violence or irresponsible sexual activity is as good as advertising such lifestyles to our youth. As such, the music of Kartel and others is marketing violence and irresponsible sexual behaviour to our youth. There are young people who are not exposed to violence and premarital sex in their communities or families, but through these videos and music they learnt about values contrary to those taught by their parents, churches and even school administrators.

I challenge those who defend slackness and violent lyrics to examine their positions in light of facts and recognise that their positions are contributing to the ills of society.

I am, etc.,

MARK-SHANE SCALE

markshane.scale@gmail.com

Kingston