Jamaica cannot be classified as a civilised society if boundaries are not placed on the behaviour of its citizens. I am in total disbelief when I hear some stories being related about the sexual assault being meted out to children in the name of dancehall. Dancehall or any other genre of music that is of an explicitly violent or sexual nature should be practised by adults only.

There is video evidence showing children not only in attendance but participating in sexually-explicit acts at sessions. Now, don't get me wrong dancehall by itself is by no means responsible for the broken state of our society. Rather this is deeply rooted in the fledgling morals of our people and it impedes our progression as an ordered society.

What is most disheartening is the fact that this anti-social and criminal behaviour is bolstered by people in high places and of supposedly high intellect. Are these people numb to the denigration of our children's morals?

High ground

The nightly television newscasts show the anguish and deep loss that people suffer at the hands of murderers and rapists. Dancehall which has a strong following among the youth needs to take the high ground and protect its own future instead of putting melody to murder and mayhem and expect well-thinking people to accept it as entertainment.

I am adding my plea to the Government to rid buses, taxis and public spaces of all genres of music and videos inappropriate for public consumption.

When our children are engulfed by music with overt sexual and violent themes we are sending the message that this is all there is to life. Well, what I want for my and all children in Jamaica is a reality that channels their energies into activities that will produce people who by their actions will be worthy of being called human beings.

I am, etc.,

STEVE BAKER

mr.steveabaker@gmail.com

Kingston