In a dystopic move for the island Jamaica is now cracking down on music and TV programs that glorify crime and drugs through the broadcasting authority. They've banned content on public airwaves that glorifies illegal activity including things like drugs, scamming, and gun use. There are many songs, films, and other entertainment projects, that could easily be swept up in this censorship.
Musicians have already criticized the ban to some extent and for those who are fans of freedom of expression and against censorship of this sort they too have voiced discontent with the move. Who still listens to regular radio these days anyways many have asked?
A need for decentralization in information and entertainment
Are we still going to bask in the ignorance of blaming media and songs for people's actions instead of resting the responsibility on them alone? Especially considering the state itself engages in thousands of different violent activities in one way or another on a regular basis, they routinely infringe economic and social liberty of individuals, then they turn around and act like safety gatekeepers of communities they themselves victimize for their own profit and power gain.
Can you routinely exploit people, restricting freedoms such as the freedom of growing your own food, or the freedom to grow cannabis or start your own business etc, then turn around and act like you care about their well-being as a top priority? Does it really make sense that certain songs must be banned now because it will make for a safer environment? Is censorship the best tool they've got to try and tackle crime and the arguable fallout from extreme poverty?
This isn't the first time that artists have faced being arrested for things like swearing or other victimless crimes like singing a song about drugs.
Jamaica has been found to have among the worst murder rates in the Caribbean, it is regarded as a dangerous place to travel to despite being one of the top tourist destinations especially for cannabis travelers today.
Pics:
pixabay
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/13/jamaica-broadcasting-commission-regulator-bans-music-tv-deemed-to-glorify-crime
https://www.vice.com/en/article/5d3kxx/jamaica-music-ban-drugs-crime