The misogynist, violent, homphobic and gun lyric element to the dancehall music has always been present to some extent, but it was not until 1992 that attention was focused on the potential harm that such lyrics could cause. Buju Banton's “Boom Bye, Bye” brought this to light. The homophobic lyrics declared that all homosexuals should be shot in the head and fed into the preexisting homophobic culture in the island and the even more dominant culture of violence. At the time, I did not understand or like the homosexual culture but at the same time my humanity would not allow me to condone violent acts against other people because they are different.
RED STRIPE TAKES A STAND IN 2008
The population that was already exposed to the culture of violence absorbs the messages and instructions from the ‘dancehall’ artiste like a sponge and act upon it. Are our dancehall artistes socially irresponsible? Don't they have an obligation to the Jamaican populace to promote peace and tolerance, not to perpetuate the homophobic culture? Needless to say the impact on the artiste has led many to be more careful of how they promote violence against gays.
The video below examines the international impact on the Jamaican artiste.All Rights Reserved. Use of original information without the author's permission is strictly prohibited.
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