THE EDITOR, Sir:

I view as irresponsible and disappointing the views expressed in the Star editorial on May 6, under the heading 'Sponsoring Themselves'.

What disturbs me is simply, that as a newspaper you seem all too willing to pander to the lowest common denominator and propagate ignorance. There seems to be a deliberate attempt to go off on a tangent, and totally miss the point that sponsors are trying to make.

Have you taken the time to ask the artistes, who have come out in defence of 'dancehall', if they understand what the real issue is? Have you asked them to clean up their acts, instead of shooting the messengers? Have you sought to educate the artistes and their followers that by cleaning up their acts our music could truly become a global force with which to reckon that could bring this country untold pride and joy, not to mention economic well-being? Have you pointed out to the artistes that the sponsors may not be the enemy, that they may be their own enemies by refusing to see how their music could be drawing negative publicity to our culture and country?

Mr Editor, the call to action is not for the artistes to sponsor themselves. It's for them to wake up, smell the coffee and realise that what they are drinking is not 'Blue Mountain Peak' world class coffee, but dregs.

If I were you, Mr Editor, I would raise the standard by writing a series of articles that educate the artistes, and build them up to rise to the standard that we would all be proud to have our own children emulate.

I am reminded of the 'ole' time saying: 'wen yu trow stone in a pig pen, di one that squeal is 'im get lick'. I rest my case.

I am, etc.,

Marva B. Chisholm

St. Catherine

marvbchis@gmail.com