THE EDITOR, Sir:
I am both surprised and disappointed in the Jamaica Federation of Musicians for not publicly condemning the current spate of violence affecting the country today.
I am personally convinced that a lot of lyrics coming out of the dancehall is doing more harm than good in respect to violence throughout the country.
A large number of young people look up to a number of these present day artistes as role models, so when the artistes talk the gun talk, a lot of young people walk the gun walk.
I am not saying all the music coming out of the dancehall is negative.
In fact, I believe the majority is positive, but there are a lot of acts that prophesy violence in the form of gun killing and disrespect to women and children.
These acts need to at the very least be condemned or censured by the Jamaica Federatiom of Musicians.
This is definitely not the answer to the crime situation, but it will surely send a message to the artistes that there is no market for such negative and destructive lyrics.
I am, etc.,
DONALD McKENZIE
dannyj2501@hotmail.com
Ontario, Canada
Via Go-Jamaica
