The Editor, Sir:

The emotive hype caused by the Broadcasting Commission's ban on lewd lyrics from the airways, gives need to a conversation that is long overdue.

Having listened to various players involved, including a recent letter to the editor entitled 'A teen's take on 'daggerin'' on Monday, February 16, a social disconnect has once again risen to the surface. Somewhere behind it all, a win-win situation exists for all concerned.

The Broadcasting Commission, as custodians of values via the airways, must be vigilant to ensure that the right values are perpetrated throughout the society. Radio stations, too, are accountable for 'legitimising' culturally acceptable standards, while the players in the dancehall industry have a right to share their creativity.

Industry positioning

While the debate rages, I ask that this situation be the start of a long overdue conversation about the national positioning of the dancehall industry. For a long time this 'dancehall' has been treated like a semi-underground industry. It remains a viable avenue for economic and social mobility for many, especially the inner-city youths, although the 'industry' is hardly a focus of meaningful national attention.

Proper framework

If the dancehall has such an influence on the minds of especially children, then a proper framework is necessary by which all players operate. There needs to be standards and accountability but a condemnatory approach will not solve the problem either. All players need to be brought to the discussion table so that a common ground on the way forward is formulated.

When our artistes are treated like legitimate stakeholders in our local entertainment industry, that is when we should reasonably demand a greater level of responsibility from them.

The controversial ban on 'daggerin' may well be the catalyst for a conversation worth having.

I am, etc.,

Devon Spaulding

poet_n_i@yahoo.com

Portmore, St Catherine