Jamaican pop culture: less censorship?

[brasi]

This is a view from my eyes, and I've been wanting to post or ask someone if I am perceiving this all correctly, or at least if I am on the right path...and I hope I am not generalizing...

It seems Jamaica has a lack of a certain level of censorship regarding the sexuality expressed openly in pop culture vs. where I am from. Advertisments, song lyrics, etc...

I'm not criticizing. Just starting a discussion...because I am curious.

First example:
(picture removed due to copyright)

This poster was in the country bar, and I saw it on the bus crawl. I think it's hilarious, "energy when you need it." I doubt it would be used in any places near me...

Second example:

My favorite dancehall song ever. Vybz. Look at THESE lyrics!!!!!!!

(lyrics removed due to copyright)

The song is essentially romantic, you can hear the passion and the "subject" wants to make a baby with his lover...so it's got some racy lyrics but it's not "dirty." But with lyrics like the above, it''s no wonder why American radio didn't touch it...huge hit in Jamaica though.

Is this "sexuality" or use of sexual innuendo etc. akin to the drinking age in Europe being virtually non-existent? As in, is there a different outlook regarding sex in popular culture in Jamaica? What is confusing for a guy trying to get a grasp on the current of the culture is in many ways, Jamaica also seems more conservative than where I am from...i.e. requiring uniforms in school etc.

Just wondering over my Saturday morning coffee...I could be way off and just seeing a couple examples that stand out...

[yetta]

I think you're on to something. Jamaica is full of dicotomies fi sure!! But, I sure do love it!!! Don't think I would change a thing. Dear Jah am I missing it right now and only been back 22 days.
Now trying to figure out a way to get back ASAP> BTW, your reports rocked my man!!!

[x l ent]

I think it is like anywhere these days, except with extremes. Moral values are still trying to be taught by the old, and rejected by the young. Sign of the times.

[rastagal]

Hmmmm. It appears there is more sexual innuendo in Jamaican music, mostly dancehall. However I'm sure you have noticed there are usually "clean" versions of particular songs that are to racy for the radio. What you hear in a nightclub might be the "raw" version but usually on the radio they play the clean ones. But you are right about there being a less conservative vibe in a lot of ways. At least compared to America. But than again, over here you can't even sneeze the wrong way without some idiot being offended.

I think culturally as a society Jamaican's have a more laid back style. I tried to look up info about school uniforms but can't find much. Since the British ruled for so long I'm sure that is when the uniform's were put into place? According to Wikipedia England implemented school uniforms around 1870 with the Elementary Education Act. I wish they would enforce uniforms in the schools here but unfortunately that takes us back to schools being afraid of being politically incorrect. Parents will argue it does not allow children freedom of expression and that is usually the end of that. Someone always has a problem with something.

This is a great topic and there will probably be a lot of opinions.

[brasi]

Rasta: I wasn't aware of the RAW mix etc...and I am feeling stupid for not thinking about that!

Rob, sorry to make your life more difficult. I didn't consider the copyright issue when i posted.

Yetta: thanks! I have noticed a LOT of reports have kicked tail lately. I am glad mine worked for you..!

All opinions and thoughts on this appreciated...

[TiCtOc]

Oh and yes rastagal is correct Brasi look for the edited or CLEAN version of the rude songs for suitable radio play versions , one example cannot remember the song think it was a kartel song possibly romping shop or it was something about riding something anyway and the clean version with video sang the female wanted to ride his bike back and was sat riding a motorbike.Happens a lot get with it brasi you can do it! Dancehall rocks

[TiCtOc]

Brasi WHAT are you talking about?You are a seasoned traveller to Jamaica! You know Jamaica is a sexy place, everything is sexual in tourist resorts at last, country country has naked burger on the menu drinks and signs are about having strong back and more energy with seductive messages and photographs, dancehall music is full of sexually explicit lyrics and do not even begin to tell me that you have not noticed the sexual dance movements down in tha CLUB!
There is also hedonism a nude resort and allsorts of other sexual things, the sex industry (shhh) sexual things are there if you look for it.Sometimes you do not have to look!
You gotta love it.Nothing brightens a boring grocery trip than walking down the drinks isle and laughing at the labels! childish I know but I can't believe some of the things that are advertised in Jamaica! FUNNY

[Rambo]

as with the rest of the world as a whole, moral values and open advertising, is in the "crapper"...................

so many censorship "rules" have evidently just disappeared, from what I can see at ANY time on TV...........

I am NO prude for sure...but it was more fun when there was a "separation of power" as what you could do, see or say as a Adult that you couldn't do as a "child"..........lol

now its no big deal to grow up....lol

[spottycatz]

I've collected Jamaican Ska and Bluebeat since the 60's and 'riske' lyrics have always been part of the music. Listen to anything by Judge Dread and Prince Buster and you will hear the same stories of sex, winding and grinding that are still used today. Same story, different tellers.

[northcoast]

The lyrics may be explicit but the dance moves back then were much less so.....