The media, the music, the mind

by Samuel Joyles 01.JUL.11

I am sure that you will agree with me when I say, that we are a Christian nation. It is clearly and carefully crafted in the preamble of our country’s constitution. I am sure you will agree with me as well that the basic laws, mores, values and principles that govern our nation have been inspired by principles derived from Holy Scriptures{{more}}

Our forebears, or if you like, our standard bearers, were not perfect, but they have left for us a legacy of a strong spiritual foundation, a clear path of morality and socially acceptable behaviors. The foundation laid by our standard bearers is ours to build on and improve or to desecrate and disregard. From the look of things, it is clear to see that we have done well in some areas but very poorly in other areas.

For all intent and purpose, I will speak specifically to the deliberate attempt by the music makers of the 2011 carnival season to disregard, disrespect or even destroy the very fabric of decency and morality in our country. I am of the strong opinion that the soca songs for 2011 Carnival are at best degrading, disrespectful and sexually perverting, and void of thoughtful creative intellectual exercise.

Regardless of how hard one tries to rationalize the intent and or content of these songs, one cannot escape the haunting reality of a conscience which is clearly offended by an overload of sexual innuendo, vulgarity, devaluation of the worth of human sexuality, disrespect for women, and the removal of preferential protection form vulnerable, innocent and defenseless children.

In May, this country celebrated Child Month. One of the major issues emanating from discussions in the media is the sexual crimes committed against our young vulnerable children. In our schools, teachers and counselors alike are called upon daily to counsel children who display serious sexual behavioral problems. We also have had the infamous allegation of teachers in one of our premier educational institutions who engaged in behaviors designed to induce young boys into indecent and abnormal sexual practices.

Permit me to direct this question to the soca artistes: What kind of influence do you think your songs are having on the minds of young people? Do you care about the negative impact of your smutty lyrics on the minds of youths, including those to whom you are closely associated? I think it’s also appropriate to ask: What kind of society you want for this post modern generation? Do you want to produce a society of sexual perverts? Don’t the cries of our innocent children being raped and otherwise sexually molested by unscrupulous adults alarm and outrage you anymore? Are obscenity and unbridled public sexual expressions the modern means of communication? Do we want a reenactment of the lifestyle of Sodom and Gomorrah? Can you use your creative juices in a more productive manner? Can you produce positive uplifting music that can inspire and yet be entertaining? I know you can. Yes, you can!

I wish to commend the Commissioner of Police Keith Miller for speaking on the 2k11 soca music. He has my commendation. No offence Sir, but the “big stick” could make any number that play look like a “small whip.” It is clear that a more realistic assessment needs to be made and proactive action taken, as a matter of urgency. This will help to stop the embarassment which people with delicate sensibilities encounter when hit with “big sticks.” The regular servings of the “N juice,” “disrespect for Grandpas,” “sheep abuse” and all the other offensive songs which leave nothing to the imaginations of both the old and young. In my view, these songs should be banned from the airwaves. The airwaves are the domain of the national and international public. Let’s keep it clean. I wish to make two recommendations, the first is to the calypso association: (1) Set up a committee to edit the works of artistes, not just to ensure that the final product is competition ready, but that it is worthy of airplay with an international appeal.

My next recommendation is for media practitioners: (2) establish a media association, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information to formulate a code of ethics which would govern the local radio industry.

My final recommendation is in relation to the playing of loud offensive music on public transport. (3) I recommend that a committee be set comprising Government, Omnibus Association (OA) Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) and the Traffic Branch (TB) to formulate ground rules in relation to the type of music played on public transport, the level at which the music is played, the types of audio and visual equipment used in these vehicles, the dress, deportment and conduct of driver and conductors in the execution of their duties.

Radio is an effective medium of socialization and the sharing of information, but it can also be “a weapon of mass destruction.” Let us use our electronic media to educate, affirm, empower and enrich our people even as we deal with the debilitating effects of the globalised media.