Freedom of speech and responsibility

THE EDITOR: The Catholic Commission for Social Justice condemns the sentiments expressed in Cro Cro’s calypso “Face Reality.” No song should incite people to violence nor condone violence as acceptable. The lyrics of this calypso are socially irresponsible and morally reprehensible. The fact that violence depicted in songs has become explicit around the world, does not make this ‘trend’ acceptable. We in TT are to condemn the spread of violence under the guise of ‘art.’ We should be setting standards rather than following bad examples. In our crime-ridden country we need calypsos/songs that will give purpose and direction to our youth in particular who need good role models and mentors. We should seek to encourage and promote the  expression of the art form of calypso as a positive and creative force in our community, not a negative force.

Words have power. This ‘power’ should be used wisely. Cro Cro’s calypso has the power, potentially at  least, to influence its listeners to engage in crime and to promote further disorder and mayhem in our  troubled land. While we feel confident that our right minded public would not be influenced by Cro Cro’s call, the same could not be said for those in our society bent on engaging in criminal activity. While we accept that white-collar crime and drug related issues need to be addressed in TT, it is wrong  for any calypsonian to criminalise the art form of calypso by making it an accomplice to other forms of lawless activities such as kidnapping. Nor should a song seek to vilify whole sections of the community unjustifiably. Inter alia, calypsonians, who are social commentators, continue to serve as a channel for people’s laughter. Cro Cro’s calypso is no laughing matter in a country that is gripped by the fear of crime and violence. We ask all calypsonians to show courtesy, respect and love of country by refraining to use lyrics that  could incite racial hatred and violence among any section of the community.

LEELA RAMDEEN
Catholic Commission for Social Justice