The Editor, Sir:

I am so glad to hear that the real men of this country, especially Selector Jigsy and the Bembe Squad have decided to take a stand against violent music. For a long time, it has been obvious that this kind of music has a great influence on our young people, who happen to be committing the most crimes.When you pointit out to the deejays, they pass it off as if it is a coincidence,then they talk about how much they love their communities when they are adding fuel to the young and delinquent fire.

Churches speak up

I also hope that the churches speak up and support their effort as this is not a popular choice in the dancehall community. Schools, PTAs, the Ministry of Education, universities, student councils, businesses and the Government should all openly applaud these brave individuals and help promote them if possible for shows.

It is time that Jamaicans realise that the music has a lot to do with our culture and sometimes, unfortunately, the negative side of it. I love our music, but anything that incites violence or harm to anyone for any reason is ridiculous. If we examine the place from which this hatred comes, we cannot even find a decent reason to want to harm anyone. Most of the so-called rationale has to do with beliefs that are inside someone's head which can be changed at any moment.We need to stop thinking that we can beat, hit, lick, box, kick, punch, boof, slap others because they don't think the same way we do. Most of the times we think we are high and mighty and have the right to boss people around but what if God did the same to us, we could not live to stand his wrath.

I am, etc.,

TAMARA

irie_dimples@yahoo.com

Via Go-Jamaica