MIAMI – Is Homophobia in Jamaica a result of the music, or does the music influence the culture?
That’s the question being discussed on Pulse – a new monthly public affairs program dedicated to the Caribbean community airing on WPBT2, Miami.
Pulse is hosted by multimedia producer, Jessy Schuster, who among other things is a voice-over talent who dubs Latin telenovas for distribution in Europe, Africa and the Caribbean.
In the inaugural edition of Pulse three panelists – Howard “Flagga” Duperly (88.9FM WDNA), Geoffrey Philp (Mia mi Dade College), and Tim Padgett (Time Magazine) discuss the controversy surrounding Jamaica’s attitude towards homosexuals, and whether or not the country’s dancehall brand of music is the primary contributor to the negative treatment of its gay population.
Padgett, who a few years ago wrote a scathing piece for Time Magazine labeling Jamaica as one of the most homophobic nations in the world, cites reggae artists such as Buju Banton as both instigator and oppressor.
The discussion, albeit brief, appears to consider all sides of the issue. Flagga, a longtime journalist and current host of the Reggae Ride on 88.9FM disagrees with the notion that dancehall music is the cause for homophobia in Jamaica and contends that “the country’s sentiment existed long before dancehall was born.”
Phelps finds himself in the middle and suggests that it’s time for members in the hierarchy of the Jamaican government to initiate a formal discussion to try and change the country’s approach.
Pulse airs at 7:30pm, this Thursday, July23, on WPBT2, Miami.
The Reggae Ride airs every Saturday, noon – 3:00pm on 88.9FM, Miami. The station also streams live at: www.wdna.org.
