Pressure for Janet Jackson and Cro Cro

THE EDITOR: The Janet Jackson and Cro Cro incidents are so entwined, that both can be said to be “joined at the hip.” Both incidents may appear to be coincidental, which could not be further from the truth. The likeness should not be viewed as being accidental or coincidental. This is the legacy with which Africans and those of African descent, for whatever reason have inherited; of which we should be aware. Some say the problems and obstacles that we encounter on a regular basis; are primarily because of our “visibility.” I say it is our history.

Janet Jackson is no “shrinking violet,” neither is Cro Cro, so it is expected that they would ride this out. As the saying goes: “this too will pass.” In a short while, both incidents will be history. Let’s address Janet Jackson’s “breast-bearing stunt” first. I have witnessed “white women” attending the Oscar awards, Golden Globe awards and MTV awards just to name a few dressed in gowns showing their cleavages. On one of the shows one of the presenters remarked; if am not carefull my “boobs” would jump out. For those of us who may not be familiar with the word: that is another name for a woman’s breast in the US. A simple tap on any one of these women’s back or shoulder, would have exposed their breasts to the viewing public. I am not condoning Janet Jackson’s indiscretion, but I must mention, in the US, women have started breast-feeding their babies in public. The fact of the matter is that; Janet Jackson appeared on the show decently dressed, with every part of her body smugly “tucked in.” Lo and behold her attention grabbing duet-partner, Justin Timberlake, pulled at the jacket of her attire and what a pull. With a pull like that; he could have left Janet Jackson nude on the stage. Yet no one paid any attention to how this bizarre incident came about. Because of the national outcry Janet Jackson was forced to bow out of the show, while the instigator Justin Timberlake was allowed to attend the very 46th Grammy awards show with a crass apology showing no remorse for his despicable conduct. One can only assume that Justin Timberlake viewed the French-kiss shared between Brittany Spears and Madonna on National Television to be much more vulgar and distasteful than the Janet Jackson breast-bearing stunt. (And just when the US is grappling with the same-sex marriage issue).

The Cro Cro incident although less eventful has the let’s get Cro Cro sentiment manifesting itself. It is very subtle, yet it meets the eye. Just think Cro Cro ranks in the top ten of our calypsonians in TT, yet failed to qualify for the Calypso Monarch semi-finals two years running. (Just a blatant attempt to kill his spirit.) Ironically less competent calypsonians were selected. Does anyone believe that Cro Cro by just entreating his “so called gangster friends.” (I never knew gangster had friends.) To kidnap corrupt politicians and unscrupulous businessmen, which provoked a smug laugh from me. Those of us who believe that Cro Cro is dead serious, and can do the country harm with his calypso — Face Reality are misguided. Some politicians are far more dangerous to the country and much more contemptuous than Cro Cro can ever be. What has Cro Cro said in his calypso to entice anyone to do anything crazy? Our politicians have been known to make remarks far more inflammatory which are constantly being overlooked. Now that this calypso has “hit home,” taking on a life of its own, the matter has become a major issue. (All pie in the sky.) As a little boy, whenever I did anything wrong, I would say to my grand-mother, my friend told me to do it. Her reply would always be: “If your friend were to tell you to jump in front of a moving vehicle would you do it? If he were to tell you, go drown yourself, would you do it?” Something can be learned there.

As complacent and disingenuous as we are in TT, it would sadden me o think that the kidnappers have not got more sense than I did at the age of ten and 11. To my way of thinking, the Cro Cro matter has very little, if anything to do with Cro Cro the Calypsonian, but more to do with his convictions, which he constantly carries on his shoulders as a badge of honour. Very few of us are that courageous. The hullabaloo is as a result of the fact that the calypso ruffled the feathers of a few people in “high places.” One’s convictions should never be compromised. No matter what “spin” is put on Cro Cro’s calypso lyrics it was meant to be, and remains just a calypso, nothing more, nothing less. We should not sit idly by and allow anyone to trample upon or stifle Cro Cro’s freedom of expression. Even if the thought crossed our minds, we should think again. Some of our politicians have advocated for the blocking of our roads, with a view to obstructing vehicular traffic into Port-of-Spain. Many have made remarks, too explosive and ridiculous to print. Conversely, Cro Cro does not have the power not to mention the influence of these devious politicians. Just a word of caution: the Janet Jackson and Cro Cro uproar are not incidents to be taken lightly. It would be foolhardy of us to treat both incidents as isolated matters, which they certainly are not. Both incidents warrant careful and serious soul-searching on our part.

ULRIC GUY
Point Fortin