Water Cooler Ed 7
26 Monday Oct 2009
Written by Corve DaCosta in Entertainment, Love & Relationships, Thoughts & Commentary
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2009, Blog, blogging, children, christianity, commentary, democrats, Entertainment, Family, gay community, gays, Gays in Jamaica, homosexuality, Inspiration, Jamaica, jamaican politics, Life, Love & Relationships, News, Opinion, Politics, Relationships, religion, republicans, Thoughts & Commentary
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Welcome to the seventh edition in the series of the Water Cooler – appears every Sunday on this blog. This feature will highlight what’s hot, topical and up for discussion.
Here we go.
Politics
Reggae music is very popular worldwide and whilst it is known for its Rastafarian culture, Jamaican reggae artistes are also known for their homophobic attacks in their music. Recently, Mark ‘Buju Banton’ Myrie – popular international reggae performer met with gay advocates in the United States of America (USA) to have dialogue on his violent lyrics targeted to the gay community. Back in Jamaica, because of its homophobic culture, Jamaicans were lamenting and began to hate Mark ‘Buju Banton’ Myrie because of his meeting with the gay community. Some claimed they would not be listening to his music, while others were just disappointed. Yesterday in the newspaper here Sunday, October 25, 2009 an article declared the church finally agrees with the reggae performers; they support reggae acts who express their negative opinions on the gay community. However, the international gay community should know these facts about the operations in Jamaica – by no means it is perfect. Jamaicans claim to be a Christian society; with this the country sees a high murder rate – third in the world. No Jamaican is safe these days, not even tourists who are caught in the cross fires sometimes. In the entertainment industry rising reggae talents wanting to make an impact locally sing songs that incite violence towards the gay community and songs that sexualize young children. By doing this they become instant celebrities being played on radio stations and television programmes. Politicians get in the act as well bashing gay people even in the House of Parliament and some may bash gays to get votes. You see, the Jamaican society is not as educated as others, they are ignorant and are caught up defending Christian values but on the other hand the outcry against other crimes are not expressed with such disdain. No one living in Jamaica is shocked a 5 year old is snatched, raped and killed. Killing people and depriving legal abiding citizens on their rights have become so routine that you wonder who is next; praying you are not.
For Jamaica to change, it will take a new generation, one that is educated and see the world like a global village – accepting diversity. I share with you a perfect example, Barbados. Barbados is a Caribbean nation, 99% literacy rate, first world status and they accept fully people from different orientations.
In the House of Parliament, they have raised the issue of Charter of Rights – someone told me it includes fundamental rights for all WoW- and nowhere in the document have politicians on both sides acknowledge that they will be discussing the issue as it relates to one’s sexual orientation. Instead they have both offered early statements signaling their stance on the issue which they have ignored in the bill. Last year the Prime Minister of Jamaica declared in a BBC interview that no gay cabinet member will ever serve the Jamaican people under his leadership, while the Leader of the Opposition statements justified the position of the government. Politicians in Jamaica do not care about the Jamaican people, they are a set of corrupt, inefficient group whose main aim is to divide so long as they remain in their positions. They could not care less about the thousands of people who are affected by this decision. Instead to secure their votes they ensure that Parliament does not debate gay issues and they pander to the ignorant masses to get votes. Historically Jamaican voters do not vote on issues. Voters in the USA vote on issues such as health care, economic stability, securing the border, Foreign Policy – Wars in Iraq etc. Nooooo! In Jamaica for a politician to win, you better fork out the cash to fill those mouths with chicken, curried goat and lots of beer if you can give cash, then you are the big man able to represent the Jamaican people. Corrupt politicians run for new posts all the time, it’s the norm!
So the only, well not the only solution but the most powerful solution is to hit the artistes where it hurts most and its in their pockets. Fight and keep them from performing in your cities – the ones who support for the mass killings of gay people.There are local artistes who are trending on a new path one that does not incite violence, only if more will follow and they have been but there are a few bad apples still.
There is no way in 2009 that we can condone people supporting those heinous actions.
Inspiration
After several months of unemployment my quests to search for a job was drained. I was disappointed in myself because I think that I am an astute hard worker who would be a great asset to any firm. Realizing the reality that my small network failed I became uninterested in the professional workforce exploring entrepreneurial opportunities that could come my way. Although they are still open I landed a job recently.
I observed days after starting to work that it will take a few days or weeks to get into a work routine. It took a while because I was home doing nothing for months. Going from unscheduled days to a minute by minute schedule, reporting to a superior I became flustered because I was not in the frame of mind to work.
After weeks in my new job I have recognized that I may not be enjoying this job. Keep in mind that I am not lazy or have a bad attitude on the job. It will take a toll on any employee who doesn’t have job security or even a scope for growth and improvement. I have been approached by other firms for new employment opportunities. Although nothing is in black and white yet, I am excited!
I can understand anyone who at this moment is unemployed. I have not celebrated my employment yet because personally I do not consider myself in a real job yet. I hope when the other opportunities materialize I can. For those who are unemployed, stay focused by applying, remain motivated and patient, things must change.
Mine took six months to, your time will come.
One advice, please keep your mind active. Read a book, read newspapers online or even read works in your particular field. Employers want you to be on top of things as you step through the door. I’m just saying!
Photo of the Week
A 70-foot female blue whale that officials believe was struck by a ship is seen washed ashore on the Northern California coast on Oct. 20 near Fort Bragg.
17 comments
October 26, 2009 at 8:49 AM
WOW! I can’t believe the size of that whale!! You hear how big they can get, but until you see it in person it’s hard to picture!!
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October 26, 2009 at 9:55 AM
Hey Corve! I can’t say much about the homophobia in Jamaica beyond the fact that is shameful there isn’t more tolerance. Here in the states we seem to have extremes. The gay community seem to be somewhat more radical and those opposing want to shut them out altogether. It seems there’s never a place to meet in the middle.
Being unemployed is a problem I hope I won’t face any time soon. I suppose the main thing is to accept the fact that you’re young, talented, and really just starting. Things can’t help but fall in place for you; just be wise and circumspect in your choices…and patient!
Damn shame about the whale! Beautiful creature!
I look for to the weekly gathering at the ‘water cooler’. Have a good week!
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October 26, 2009 at 10:09 AM
Reggae is Red Red Wine, to me.
I guess learn what you can at the new job now until you could move on.
Oh no! The whale is so beautiful. Is it dead? Could they save it?
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October 26, 2009 at 11:03 AM
I was unemployed in ’07 for about three months, and it was pretty scary. I sent out hundreds of resumes and applications and only received one call back– which luckily ended up being the job I have now. I’m glad you found work again, I can only imagine it’s even scarier out there right now.
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October 26, 2009 at 5:21 PM
Man, that blue whale is massive !!
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October 26, 2009 at 6:49 PM
Glad you recently got a job, but sorry that it is not quite what you wanted.
It is a shame that Jamaica is such a closed and corrupt society in many ways. It will take time and a new generation to bring about change. The key is to not let the next generation become corrupt.
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October 26, 2009 at 9:18 PM
I support my gay brothers and sisters and discrimination, intolerance, and hate just sadden me.
I wish you much fortune on the job front.
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October 26, 2009 at 11:46 PM
Nicely written story Corve. Good luck with your career. Cheers.
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Corve DaCosta Reply:
October 28th, 2009 at 1:56 PM
Thanks
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October 27, 2009 at 9:34 AM
I didn’t know Jamaica was that way. Very interesting. I do enjoy the music from time to time. Usually when I’m completely wasted on rum and its summer and I’m hanging out in my backyard with my potted palm. Good times… Plants are cool – they never give you any trouble. They can’t handle their alcohol though. That’s important to remember. Plus it’s a waste of good booze.
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October 27, 2009 at 10:06 PM
Wow, I did not know that about Reggae. A lot of artists do come to this area. However, I did know of the violence in Jamaica. A friend of mine was in the Peace Corp there and she is still traumatized by the stuff she witnessed.
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Corve DaCosta Reply:
October 28th, 2009 at 1:58 PM
Well, it is expected she would be shocked. Jamaicans are not even shocked anymore, it is more of a routine for them.
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October 28, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Hey Corve, I believe that this is my first comment on your awesome blog (yeah I can’t get a thought out most times) or is it my second? Anywho, here’s my two-cents.
HOMOPHOBIA: I believe that the problem we’re having regarding homophobia is that (1)this is something relatively new to Jamaica (and the Caribbean at large), and when I say “new”, consider time in the sense of, lets say, slavery or the holocaust. These are events that have been in our pass for awhile now, but I’m sure people still get upset when they watch films like “Roots” or “Schindler’s List”, it takes time to get pass some things. What I’m saying is that, in the Americas and the UK, they have had time to get “use to” the idea of “men-on-men” (this was not the case in the earlier days, as evident from the movie MILK [which I haven't and won't watch]). This is something that they got used to. Now as it stands now, majority of Jamaicans will NEVER say that we should accept homosexuals PERIOD. This is because of our up-brings and socialization. Maybe (and its a big maybe) in another 10-20 years things might change. (2) There is a law in this country and a lot of other Caribbean countries against what is termed buggery, so there’s no way that it can be “accepted” or “condoned” by the State, and by extension its populace. (3) Women are BEAUTIFUL and sweet, vivacious and just wonderful to look at, touch, caress, and to hold!
With all that said, my stance on the issue is that I think its wrong and no one, save the LORD GOD HIMSELF, can change my mind about that. However, I would add that what consenting adults do with themselves in the privacy of their abode, is completely between them and their deity. So I have no problem if it stays that way. What I have a problem with is their approach that you “MUST accept it and love it up or we’re going to make things bad for you”. If they expect us to accept and respect their RIGHT to make love to the ass of another man, then why can’t they accept and respect our RIGHT to not be forced to accept it. Why can’t both sides just stay on the side they choose and leave it at that? I love women, and what they have to offer and the homosexual love men and what they offer. Don’t force me to accept it and I won’t force you to change.
EMPLOYMENT: Congrats and I’m very happy for you. With the economy going the way it is, its a blessing to be able to say I’m in steady job. I can understand the desire to continue to do nothing, as that’s a sweet deal, but if it was as so sweet, then you wouldn’t be bored and frustrated when you were actually doing it. So hope you get out of the “rut” real quick and get into the work mode. Glad the professionalism is much more powerful though and it doesn’t affect the work environment. Congrats again.
THE WHALE: WOW!
Again, sorry for messing up your blog. Keep on writing!
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October 28, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Thank you for an insightful and informative commentary, Corve. I’m sure you’ll be an asset where ever you life’s path lands you.
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October 29, 2009 at 10:56 PM
I’m in the same boat — was out of work (except for some sporadic contract work) for almost 9 months… now it’s kicking me in the keister… can’t complain too much, I guess, but it’s definitely been a big shift. Good luck and hope the job becomes more bearable.
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October 29, 2009 at 11:20 PM
i wasnt going to comment but i think i should just to enlighten you a bit because ii dont know if you have even been to any of the islands of which you speak. jamaica is a very poor country and ppl vote for whom they think will help them the most. politicans giving constituency memebers ”presents” isnt nothing new; they dont give them personally but members of the party will offer ppl incentives to vote. it happens in all the islands not only jamaica and yes jamaica maybe bigger than barbados and have some very rural areas where ppl are not educated and easily swayed but you must remember that religion is still a very big thing in the caribbean and even though it has its many inherent hypocrosies it is what we all grow up doing/learning. in the caribbean everybody goes to church before class on morning everyone takes prayers. and we all know how powerful religion can be and pastors in their pulpits. and lets not forget that jamaica is a very violent society.
the main difference between barbados and jamaica besides development is the culture of ppl. we are a very indifferent society and we tend to ignore things that do not affect us personally. but dont think that gay ppl are not ostracised in this society either. we may not go around trying to kill them but they are welcomed with opened arms… when they pass ppl say nasty things to them and its not easy being gay and out but as i said most ppl just dont care once it dont affect them. but young boys have been put out of their parents houses for being gay and such and if you go into certain places you would be chased away. but our society is a peaceful one more than most in the caribbean. we tend more to quarrel and voice our displeasure but we dont start fights. unlike jamaicans who do… we quarrel and shout and scream and yes we are highly literate but gayness is still highly unaccepted they talk about its evils in the churches on the radioes and it is a sin etc etc. they were trying to remove the buggery law from the books but there was a great outcry and it has remained. so its not all wine and roses and it is very hard if you poor and gay cause if you dont find some gay person to help you you in trouble. in some ways the worst thing you can be here is be gay because then all u have to turn to is the gay ppl. so you have to be careful..
but being gay is a no no in the caribbean period. and if you are gay dont try to impose urself on others nor try to hit on someone who isnt cause then you would be in real trouble regardless of the island!
ooh and buju banton – fave reggae artiste – has long changed his lyrics from violence and such he sings about peace and love now and has for a long time. the shot the botty boy and such songs are really old – more than 10 years. and funny thing is gay ppl in the caribbean love those songs that speak about violence towards them so… as i said you have to know what is going on and in each country it is different. because each island is so vastly different to the other.
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October 29, 2009 at 11:31 PM
there was a gay cruise that wanted to come to barbados and the ppl said they didnt want the ppl to come to the island.. and the boat wasnt allowed in the port.. it was also the same situation in st lucia and other islands… being gay is simply not an accepted part of caribbean culture… it may become less of an issue in a few more years but…. right now it isnt…. as judge judy said in larry king it will take the older generations dying off for it to become more accepted because the kids now-a-days have rights and they are more liberal and free spirited and open to things… maybe tv helps in this way because whereas they used to be a token black man a and a gay man… they have rolled it into one and there seems to be a token black gay man on most shows and as they say it is desensitising the young kids… the older ppl may watch it and be like what the hell curse and ask wats this on tv…but the kids…. its wats norm to them
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