“Gangsta videos” generate mixed reactions
By Shawn Seabrookes
Senior Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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| Some of the young men featured in the locally produced videos |
The recent disclosure some controversial music videos done locally by aspiring artistes have generated mixed reactions from a wide cross section of the general public. Opinions range from total shock and disgust to sympathy for the youths who orchestrated the videos.
The videos depict scenes where “gangs” attack a young man and then dispose of him in the trunk of a car, a classroom session where “thugs” are taught to shoot and kill rivals “properly” and a number of takes which the Police and other members of the public see as activities to condone gang formations and incite violence among youths.
In speaking to some persons who have seen the videos, the general consensus is that the young men undoubtedly have incredible talent.
“I’m sure you have seen the videos as well! Considering the fact that these young men are supposed to be amateurs and only have very limited equipment, the video production is exceptional. These guys are good,” one young man stated.
“The fellows are musically gifted! If you hear the music without seeing the videos, you are drawn by the rhythm,” another young lady added, who seconded the first evaluation.
~~Adz:Right~~ However, besides commenting on the musical genius of the young men, most went on to chastise them for using their talent in such a negative fashion.
Incidentally, comments posted next to the videos on “you tube” indicate some persons non support of the messages portrayed in the videos.
“Yes fellas, I like the talent but please look into your message,” one viewer posted.
“If that’s the direction you want to guide the youths.....alright.......wicked for you,” another states.
Some persons went so far as to say that the surfacing of the videos just underscores the break down of morals in the home and they questioned what measures are being taken to mend a tattered social fabric.
“The videos definitely causes one to question what values were taught to these young men while growing up and at the same time it scares you to think what the future holds if the youths are leaning in such directions,” a teacher stated.
“Those videos totally shocked me! I would have never believed that such things were being done right here in St. Kitts. Jesus really soon come!” one mother noted.
Some persons were not so modest with their evaluation of the video productions and the young men who participated in them.
In addition to their call for action by Youtube.com to impose stricter editing policies, they called for the Police and the other authorities that be to quickly head on the trail of the aspiring musical artistes and find some means to punish them in the hope of dissuading them from any future similar productions.
On the flip side of the coin, some were of the opinion that there is nothing wrong with the videos.
“It is just a video. The fellows are just trying to create appeal to go along with their music,” one Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College student noted.
“Funny thing is we bring someone like Munga Honourable here for a so called peace concert in the knowledge that Munga has video content and lyrics similar to that depicted by the young men in the local videos. We welcome Munga with open arms but want to chastise these youths for making music,” one young man offered.
There has been widespread speculation that the young men have been idolizing the likes of Munga Honourable and Movado- “Gangsta for Life”- two popular Jamaican musicians.
The Police continue to denounce the videos and their content and at the same time are imploring youths to be involved in more positive activities.
