Dear Editor,

We need to be cautious about the kind of music we present to the world. It is unfortunate that we are at times offering gutter music for the buying public to indulge in. We have to clean up our act and find no fault when the world fails to listen to our substandard music.

The music fraternity should therefore understand why so many artistes are getting such an outright fight from Uncle Sam. The current problem comes from how we were socialised into an unfortunate corrupt and violent social system.

We are an undisciplined people, and we are too steadfast in what we believe in, without analysing critically the pros and the cons to see viable outcomes.

However, on the matter of Buju Banton being sent to jail, it’s all hogwash. Buju was like a lamb to the slaughter because of anti-gay lyrics and his stance on biblical principles. There is no disputing that Buju was a target for pro-gay activists whose main purpose was to incarcerate and silence him.

The popularity of local dancehall acts, the so-called icons who infiltrate the society with profanity, violence against women and sexually devious lyrics are the craze among the young and gullible. Everything that they say becomes the buzzword in short order. They are not role models, but they have such a great impact on the populace that they influence change in slang phrases all over the island. We have a big problem, but we need a new beginning so we can hold our own and be a force to reckon with once more.

Paris Taylor

Greater Portmore, St Catherine

paristaylor82@hotmail.com