Contradictions and hypocrisy
published: Friday | October 8, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

OVER THE past two days, I have read with great interest the various articles dealing with anti-gay lyrics in dancehall music. The hypocrisy evident in some of the pronouncements in these articles is alarming! One article started out by proclaiming that "Since Jamaica is a deeply Christian and fundamental society, dancehall artistes who are socialised here have every right to and do claim the same religious directives against homosexuality that guide Christian clergymen".

If dancehall artists are guided by Christian principles, as the author proclaims, then why do so many dancehall lyrics glorify if not outright encourage violence? Isn't violence non-Christian?

Before we invoke Christianity to support our positions we should remember that Christianity is susceptible to great contradictions and hypocrisy. History has taught us that. Christianity has been used to justify everything from the Spanish Inquisition to slavery and segregation.

I am, etc.,

OSWALD GRAHAM

oswaldgraham@comcast.net

Washington, D.C.