THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE VERBAL and physical 'clashes' of several 'DJs' is a grim reminder of the volatile environment in which the fans and fantastic communicate and display too much affront and physical attack on whomever dares to 'dis' their idol. The recent press conference called by two prominent 'DJs' to issue a warning to their fans who were being told 'not to do as their lyrics suggest', is a clear indication of how deeply linguistic oppression is being felt by those on the receiving end of such personal attacks.

While it may be true that words out of the mouths of most DJs are only symbols and not reality, they nevertheless have the powerful ability to help us construct our thoughts and deeds. In our country, where the high level of illiteracy is our greatest challenge, we must be careful of our choices of words because they have a tremendous impact on those people who react to words in order to form and develop their self-concept and self-worth.

Whether we like it or not, some of us are not at that point of sophistication where we can readily understand and realise that some words can be just noises from a 'bag-a mouth'. Unfortunately, it is not only the minds of illiterates that are being affected, but also those of the very young and impressionable, who are at great risk of being socially and culturally contaminated by both the messages in the song and the singers.

I am, etc.,

SONIA CHRISTIE

Stewart Town

Trelawny