THE EDITOR, Sir:
IN RECENT times the authorities have taken drastic measures to put an end to the use of indecent language by entertainers in the dancehall style and at other public entertainment events.
This sort of action has left a bitter taste in my mouth. Basically what the authorities are saying is that if I want to go to an event to listen to a certain type of music, and be 'entertained' by deejays who use profanity in the delivery of their performances I am not free to do so.
How can they decide for me what I should listen to? I think I should have the fundamental right to be at an event and hear what I pay my hard earned dollars to hear.
These events are not sold or marketed as a 'religious show.' They are clearly dancehall style shows and hence, the 'culture' of the dancehall should be allowed to prevail.
If the authorities need to be strict they should be looking at other entertainment 'packages/sources' which are far more outrageous than what is being said at the dancehall. Let us use the cable TV stations, for example. Some of the networks air programmes which are far more morally disturbing than what can be heard and seen in the dancehall.
This is my message to the deejays. Don't allow yourselves to be gagged by anyone. Rebel against what is not right! Rebel against injustice! Rebel against the gagging or censorship. If you all don't rebel, you will just have to accept what is issued to you...and trust me...you won't like it. Rebel!
I am, etc.,
O'NEIL BROOKS
oneilbrooks@hotmail.com
