Commentary

Bold Elephant Man

Elephant Man - FILE

WHETHER YOU approve of Elephant Man's music or not, you have to admire his spirit.

Today, he addresses rumours that he has AIDS in customary jolly style (complete with his new mouthpiece) and declares his intentions to have the dancing tracks rolling in Jamaica again.

As Elephant Man said (in his own way, of course), if he had AIDS he would be looking at death. If the days of dancing tunes are over, then he is facing a possible death on the musical side.

In the face of rumours and possibly a changing music climate in which it might be near impossible for him to survive, Elephant Man charges on, trunk (and mouthpiece) at the ready.

It is a bit unfair that a person should have to address rumours, but persons as diverse as the Prime Minister and singer Frankie Paul have used the media to dispel rumours about themselves. In Jamaica, it is said, "if suppen no go so, it near go so".

But, this is a terrible way to operate and the conversational savagery that takes place when a person's reputation is being torn to shreds is very disturbing. Especially in the case of a public figure, a rumour can destroy his/her livelihood.

It is, of course, impossible to get every single person to stop rumour-mongering. But, we would do well to remember that repeating a rumour is as bad as starting it.

Elephant Man seems determined to buck the musical tide and he goes whichever way he chooses. But, his spirit is undeniable and has to be admired.