THE EDITOR, Sir:A RECENT article in the media in the USA indicated that international artiste Janet Jackson has been receiving much criticism for her professional association with Jamaican reggae star Beenie Man.
Apparently Janet and Beenie are collaborating on a joint recording effort and the media is now aware of it. Beenie has some anti-gay songs on his current CD, and has been very vocal expressing his views to the international media about his lyrics which speak about violence and killing of all gays.
As a Jamaican, I am always amazed and even embarrassed when I hear these things. Can't these artistes channel their energies and resources into something more positive and uplifting? What is this obsession with homosexuality, why is homophobia (fear of) so deeply embedded in Jamaica's culture?
I wonder if these artistes realise how stupid they appear, when they express such shallow views to the international media, in countries where human rights and civil liberty are fundamental. They don't even realise how they put their careers in serious jeopardy. Do they think that these songs will make people think twice about their own sexuality?
It is time to grow up, and use our culture to express more positive things about who we are as a people and country. This is important if we have any desire to showcase it internationally. One might not always agree with people's choices, sexual or otherwise, but it makes us look really backward as a people, to say, "let's kill them, or beat them or burn them, because we don't like it." It also reinforces the myth that Jamaicans are all violent people.
I am etc.,
L.P. CREARY
creary_lp@hotmail.com
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
Via Go-Jamaica
