Take our culture in a positive direction

THE EDITOR: Well Carnival 2004 is over, and the taste left in our mouths, the image left in our eyes, and the feelings felt in our hearts are twofold. To the thousands of revellers who had a fun, festive, enjoyable, exciting and delightful time in a responsible, decent way, depicting the true culture and creativity, of our people, and genuine catharsis, hats off to you. To the steelbands (our pride and joy) for their incredible, high standard of music, and fully clothed costumes, we applaud you, thank you. Your dedication, discipline and aptitude are greatly respected and appreciated. To the calypsonians whose compositions for the steelpans, and other witty songs we can sing without shame, disgrace and disgust, we encourage and support you for your positive messages, and amusing commentary.

To the bandleaders who opted for creativity and real, authentic costumes (noticeably in Tobago and the rural districts) we urge you not to be influenced by the negative, immoral trend that has led us to obscenity. To the thousands of men and women revellers who depicted gross indecency, immorality, banality, lewdness and depravity, we are left feeling utter disgust, nausea, moral repugnance, loathing, shame, abhorrence and great offence. To the calypsonians, especially the women, who disrespected me and our womanhood, by their lewd performances, and the inciting to violence of soul, mind and body, I say “No More,” you cannot be allowed to drag our reputation as a nation into the gutter anymore. A prude you say? No way. A Christian woman? Oh yes, wh strives to be like Christ and at the same time have a very enjoyable time, appreciating the beauty, talents, innovativeness, and giftedness of us as a people, respecting my integrity and that of others.

We have lost our soul — it is time to take it back. We have plunged too deep in the murkiness of licentious behaviour — we have to take a positive, powerful and meaningful stand against it and say stop it now — no more. This is an urgent appeal to a strong, powerful, brave, honourable and righteous man or woman in authority to make this move immediately. This cannot wait for next year — if we are responsible citizens of Trinidad and Tobago the degradation of morals/values/attitudes/behaviours must cease now.

The process to make mandatory the rules to disqualify all bands with indecent apparel (they are not costumes) and charge/fine them for indecent exposure, make arrests and issue heavy charges/fines to anyone (bandleaders and players) who do not comply with our code of conduct/dress/etc, must begin in a tangible way now. It is an insult to term this banality “our culture” — the horrific spectacle of erotic performances displayed on stage, roads, and in public is not “our culture.” It is up to us, the brave, strong, righteous ones to stand up and make it happen. We have too much to lose to allow our Carnival to sink to such a low. Rise up my people. Let our Creator be proud of us. We can do it.

BETTY DE SOUSA
Petit Valley