Back in April 2008, the Guyana Government issued a ban on two Jamaican artistes after a local concert headlined by famous Jamaican dancehall artiste ‘Bounty Killa’ descended into a glorification of guns and an odious rant against the gay community, and was further marred by actual gunfire.
The official word was that government had held prior discussions with the artiste and his camp about how sensitive the local atmosphere was – there was the recent slaughter at Bartica and weeks earlier, a massacre at Lusignan – and assurances were given for a clean show.
But the Jamaican artiste’s propensity towards graphic, violent lyrics and homophobic chants, which had led to scrapped performances both inside and outside of the Caribbean region, might have signalled that what might have been mere verbal assurances were quite disingenuous and, therefore, immediate censure should have followed the breach by that particular performer.
Whether or not the state’s action, at the time, was nothing more than political grandstanding given its abrupt volte-face a year later, there was at least some recognition of a need for set conditions by which shows would be guided. More important, perhaps, the government should be looking to set tougher standards and to initiate censure for breaches, as it relates to public entertainment.
Just last month American rapper ‘50 Cent’ was arrested, charged and later fined in St Kitts for indecent language following a performance on the island. Under the country’s Small Charges Act, it is a misdemeanour offence to use profane words in any public place and this applies to artistes signing on to contracts to perform on the island.
The preponderance of violent acts, particularly robberies and shootings, in this country and the involvement of our young people ought to raise some concerns – besides the clear social and economic reasons – about factors contributing to our social and moral decline as a nation.
In 2013, then Crime Chief Seelall Persaud had disclosed that the majority of perpetrators of violent criminal acts are below the age of 35, many with gang affiliations. The ‘Hot Skull’ gang, which the force had been tracking and subsequently disrupted, sported gang tattoos and reportedly lived by mantras, such as: ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’ – this particular phrase being the title of a very successful rap album released by American rapper ‘50 Cent.’ Ironically, a number of these same gang members met their demise in their mistaken pursuit of the good life at the expense of the lives of others.
On the grounds of freedom of expression, performers the likes of ‘50 Cent’ and ‘Bounty Killa’ ought to be granted an outlet to legitimately express their culture, whether it is street, urban or underclass. It is also understood that they will have some levels of public support and loyal fans. But these artistes also have an obligation to be responsible and not to use the platforms they are given to promote hate and violence.
Those of us who utilize public transportation can attest to the violence and vulgarity in the music the youths are exposed to daily. The same is true of the content at times aired on some local television and radio stations. What is also alarming is the large majority of youths who cling to this type of music.
The intersection of music and violence has been widely researched. For instance, researchers at Iowa State University, in a series of carefully controlled experiments involving college students, found that violent lyrics increased aggression-related thoughts regardless of musical style or the artist involved. Specifically, repeated exposure to violent lyrics can indirectly create a more contentious environment, which can increase individual hostility.
This study was supported by earlier research that also indicated that violent rap was associated with aggression in terms of dating relationships and solving interpersonal problems, while other studies have not only found correlations between rap music and aggression but also more specific behaviours including problems in school, drug use, and arrests.
At the very least, the government ought to develop standards for public concerts featuring both local and foreign artistes as well as monitor more closely what is being shared on our airwaves and on television. Many countries around the world have standards that require certain songs and videos to be edited for airplay. Indeed, Guyana has such standards, but they are both outdated with respect to current technology, and areonly observed in breach on most public radio and TV stations.
It may not be possible to prevent people from opting to listen to objectionable music in the confines of their homes, private spaces, etc. But what is possible is to ensure through censure that such music, music videos, recordings of live shows, etc, that have objectionable content do not make their way into the homes of an unsuspecting population. In addition, more positive public messages condemning violence, sexism, misogyny, and discrimination need to be disseminated.
In common parlance, there are too many hot-headed youths roaming among us who walk around identifying with a thug culture. These young people need cooling down and by this, we mean that they need guidance, whether it is coming from their homes or through public announcements. Indeed, values are disintegrating partly through the media and it seems fit that the media should be utilised in bringing good moral values back into our homes.
