Mocking secularism
published: Wednesday | May 26, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I WRITE in response to a letter titled 'Mocking Christianity' written by Lisa Dawkins and published on May 20, 2004. I agree with her concerns about the song in question 'Yu too badmind' by Elephant Man appearing to be similar to a popular gospel song. The matching dance moves which imitate the baptism, one can argue that it seems to make a mockery of the sacred Christian ritual. However, I cannot agree with her point that deejays should not borrow from the gospel as the opposite seems to be the order of the day!

One has to listen intently to differentiate some gospel songs these days from bona fide deejay music. Mr Editor, a quick look in at any gospel concert and one will mistake the scene for a secular stage show as the movement and dances on stage are tantamount to any dancehall crowd. With the present revolution of the gospel music into the realms of reggae music, I would think that Ms. Dawkins would appeal to the gospel singers to be careful of the mode used to spread the message of Christianity.

It seems that some gospel singers are now pirating the styles of the deejays and frankly some songs are appearing to be the same secular music with a different audience. Sometimes it would appear that in an attempt to find the sinners the Christians have lost their way!

I am, etc.,

ROMAYNE EDWARDS

glamarous00@yahoo.com

Barbican, Kingston 8

Via Go-Jamaica