"Unless they're in a religious setting, if a bunch of teenage boys are together talking loudly, they're usually bragging or boasting and mostly lying. If they're together and talking quietly, they're usually scheming, planning and up to no good". That's the view of one Christian lady friend of mine about young men talking. She and I disagree on that, but I can see how those views evolve. Cyaan really blame har!
If you follow popular music, mass media and society in general, you'd think that most young, black Jamaican males are thugs and troublemakers whose only interest in life is to live out the message of the lyrics that seductively exhort them to 'gal, buss gun, smoke weed, have fun' . If we allow ourselves to be led by generalisations and stereotypes, we'd think that any gathering of a dozen or so urban youth would consider workshops as 'eediat ting' and would be very turned off by the idea of talking about gender. Well, I was recently involved in an experience that sharply challenges those notions. It was also instructive and inspiring.
I spent last weekend reasoning with 18 young, urban Jamaican males ranging in age from 18 to 27. We explored the extent to which ideas about masculinity and gender relations are conveyed via messages in the media and music; and nuff more tings! We viewed images critically, we dissected lyrics clinically, and we discussed our reality objectively. Trust, me, sharing the details of the activities and outcomes would full up 'bout three boxes and still leave brawta. So I will have to give it to you lickle-lickle.
Positive young males
Suffice it to say that a major thing for me coming out of it is the deep reaffirmations. The experience reaffirms the fact that there are positive young males out there thinking, talking and taking action. I was particularly encouraged by the idea that these young men represent a cadre of youth who are not naively absorbing mass media images and lyrics, but are constantly critiquing the messages that are being transmitted. Even more important, they're willing to be involved in creative and strategic responses to certain messages.
Mark Taylor is one participant with clear ideas about what he wants to do. He wants to convince his organisation the Harbour View Police Youth Club, to host forum titled 'What Women Want'. His proposal is to get young women and men talking about the messages being conveyed about sex and gender relations through the media and popular cultural expressions, and explore how confused ideas about 'what women want' can harm both women and men. I think it's an excellent idea and I've agreed to visit with the group to see how I can help Mark promote and flesh out this idea and help the club take it further.
Exciting lyrical medley
Some of the participants have experience as DJ/rap artiste or poet and with the help of visiting York University student Ali Lakhani and his mobile studio they created an exciting lyrical medley that infuses dub poetry, rap style delivery and DJ chanting to share a response to the media messages and lyrical lessons. The hook, created by Sheldon Henry goes something like this: "Watch what you're teaching, the children are listening, your message should be positive now" Sheldon is CEO of 'Youth on the Go Network' from Rose Town. Yu want to support dem? They're organising a domino tournament to promote peaceful social engagement in the community. It's this Sunday, July 20 at Gordon Lane Kingston 13 from 2 to 6pm. Go drop a six love, and spread di one love.
Keep laughing and loving; and box-mi-back@hotmail.com
If we allow ourselves to be led by generalisations and stereotypes we'd think that any gathering of a dozen or so urban youth would consider workshops as 'eediat ting' and would be very turned off by the idea of talking about gender. Well, I was recently involved in an experience that sharply challenges those notions. It was also instructive and inspiring.
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