This from Red Fox Tavern owner Brian Swislow‘s Facebook page:
For anyone who is interested, We at THE RED FOX TAVERN are cancelling a show set for October 11th.
Yes, Oct. 11 was the day Capleton was set to bring the fyah. So, ya.
The Jamaican-born reggae singer had successfully performed without incident to a sold out crowd at the Red Fox in November of 2010. A previous show had been canceled in 2004. In recent weeks, a local Facebook group protesting the show gained a considerable following due to Capleton’s history of anti-gay lyrics.
—–
UPDATE 2:57 p.m.: The Journal spoke with Red Fox Tavern co-owner Brian Swislow this afternoon. He confirmed that the decision to scratch the Capleton show was made due to pressure from the gay community and other artists that perform regularly at the venue.
“I have high respect for the gay community at large. This was never out of disrespect,” Swislow said.
While he was sure he’d lose significant cash due over the canceled gig, the business he stood to lose if he went on with the show would have been a greater blow.
“I can’t lose 80% of the people that frequent my club over one show,” he said. “All I can hope is that the gay community steps up and supports our club.”
—–
UPDATE: 9/27, 8:43 a.m.: The Facebook event page for the controversial Oct. 11 Capleton show run by Bonus Entertainment was updated late last night to read “NOT CANCELLED,” has added a new poster that reads “Club T.B.A.” and added the following message:
“CAPLETON is NOT CANCELED…Nah worry about those people trying to take our reggae away…The people spreading the lies and misinformation will be held legally accountable for their actions and words.
Capleton is a reggae icon that has formed the roots of reggae. Every reggae and dancehall artist has been influenced positively by the KING ! Come show your love !!!! “
The Journal has emailed Bonus Entertainment and we’ll let you know if a new fyah zone is arranged.
Above: Capleton, with Bonus Entertainment’s Beau Devito, about to go onstage for his 2010 Red Fox Tavern performance.
UPDATE: 9/27, 10:16 a.m.: Bonus Entertainment’s Beau DeVito emailed us back to let us know that “Capleton is performing in Humboldt at a undisclosed location to support uncensored reggae.” We asked for clarification.
“We are not releasing the venue name until the show day,” he said.
Further, he was perturbed at the Journal — and me personally — for “helping to hurt the show,” particularly because he had arranged for me to attend the 2010 Capleton performance and “to not review the show is not telling the truth.”
OK. Since the previous Capleton show had been mired in similar controversy, I’d wanted to go to see if there was anything to all the fuss. So, I went. Admittedly, there was no anti-gay rhetoric — that I could understand, anyway — spouted from the stage. People who love dancehall reggae peaceably enjoyed them some dancehall reggae. No incidents. There. But none of that is really the point.
Again, Beau, if you feel the Journal has in some way slighted you, we invite you to use our widely distributed paper megaphone, just like anyone the Journal has written about. Letters to the editor are limited to 300 words, we’ve gotta have your address and phone number, and the deadline is noon Monday — but we really prefer, like, 11 a.m., ‘cuz we call every letter writer before noon. Anywho, letters@northcoastjournal.com.
This article appears in Best of Humboldt 2012.
No fyah?
Extynguishyd.
hmm. shocking… so tired of the left wing moral police state BS here (and I’ve been here 20 years). Freedom of speech anyone? anyone? Bueller…?
If you don’t like what Capleton has to say at his shows, don’t support them. Doesn’t mean you need to kill the show for those who maybe don’t believe his message is murder and oppression. [rant mode: OFF]
I don’t know, Jason… some people just get mad when folks sing about murdering gay people. And then they let the club owner know how they feel. And then the club owner makes a business decision about future attendance and living happily with his neighbors.
It’s a strange world.
I wonder if Jason is upset about the left wing moral police state BS when it protests bands who built their popularity by calling for the murder of black people, or Jewish people, or Asian people, or female people.
One of the absolutely finest uses to which freedom of speech can be put is to raise one’s voice in protest against thuggery.
Hopefully Jason also supports the freedom of speech of community members to express themselves to Red Fox Tavern.
Always thought gays were like one trick ponies-needy to have self-validation by sexual orientation only-sad commentary…That bein
g said-community is right to speak out about this maroon…
Wow. I can’t be sure if wrogers is trying to be funny.
If you seriously think gays are like “one trick ponies,” maybe it’s because you remain blissfully unaware of how thoroughly the culture is awash in straight people getting self-validation by sexual orientation. Think about it for a moment, and maybe you’ll get a glimmer of a hint of a clue.
Gay people do not have “GAY” stamped on our foreheads, so you may encounter one or two over the course of a year without even realizing they are busy being gay. And, just as a straight person might comment about their spouse or girlfriend or boyfriend in some circumstances, it’s possible a gay person might do that too, failing to realize that in doing so they are being a one trick pony.
Hiya mitch-so how many kids do you have? what’s your work like? do you like sports-have a hobby? go to school?pay taxes? These are some of the things straights talk about- i assure you straights do not publicize sexuallity-they are too busy raising kids and paying bills to indulge in such self-centered foolishness..
I’m glad the show was cancelled.
I’m NOT glad that some of my friends think that just because the show was cancelled, all us gay peeps should go to the Red Fox and celebrate. WTF?. Give me a break. Remember he only cancelled the show because of pressure. Not ever getting my money..
@wrogers. One day one of those kids you are so busy raising just might grow up to be gay and then your perspective might change a bit.
When you are part of the dominant culture, you rarely have to overtly demand acceptance of that culture. The power and presumption lies in the dominant prevailing thought. Suppressed peoples have to make noise in order to get the attention of the sleepwalkers! Thus, the lgbtq community has to holler to wake folks up. To assume that sexuality is the only thing discussed within that community is just absurd as the gay community has families, enjoy sports, pay bills etc. just like straight folks.
Wrogers,
No kids. Work’s going fine, thanks for asking. I enjoy science fiction and inventorish-tinkering, wish I got out hiking more. Yes, I pay taxes. I don’t generally announce myself as gay when doing any of those things, just as you probably don’t generally announce yourself as straight when you do them.
And I don’t generally announce myself as Jewish when I do those things either, but if I’m talking about religious rights, or the suppression of Judaism somewhere, I might very well mention my religious background. And I’m probably more likely than most non-Jews to be concerned with the rights of religious minorities.
When I’m talking about gay rights, or complaining about invitations offered to people who call for the murder of gays, I mention that I’m gay.
Neither thing makes me or any other Jewish person a one trick pony. On the other hand, if the only time you think about Judaism is when you’re dealing with someone who you primarily identify as Jewish, it might seems to you that Jews are awfully hung up about their religion. That’s one of the differences between being in a minority and being in a majority — when you are in the majority, you are the default and so never need to mention your membership in the majority.
All of this is common sense, but it’s easy to fail to grasp it if you’ve always been in the majority in the things that seem to identify people. Among other names this phenomenon goes by is “white privilege.” It’s easy to ignore when you’ve got it, but blatantly obvious when you don’t.
Amen, Mitch, amen!
Amen, Mitch, amen!
“i assure you straights do not publicize sexuallity”
Have you ever seen a wedding ring? Is it announcing that someone pays taxes?
[Edited for stupidity. -AG]
Beautiful, Mitch. Wrogers clearly does not understand privilege.
I would also like to add that people of all orientations publicize their sexuality, and are damn proud to do so. Sexuality is nothing to hide and I find it really sad that any people are too busy to enjoy it and talk about it. People can still raise children, pay bills, and have an active and open sex life. Hell, even us homos are raising kids nowadays and are allowed to think and talk about things besides sex now and again. The culture imposes that one trick on us, which is why so many people hide their orientation out of fear of not being seen as having anything else valuable to contribute, really just being seen, period, as the full human being that they are.
I don’t think Wrogers should take it upon him or herself to represent what “straights” are doing, thinking, and saying, either. Ridiculous.
I’m straight, but I’m not proud of that. It wasn’t a choice. And I certainly didn’t elect that half-wit, Wroger, to speak on my behalf.
Beautifully said, Mitch.
well i am a cabelton fan. I am also non and i do mean non-gay. but the gay people did what they was supposed to do. they find his music offensive because it talks about oppressing them
they have been attacked for years and when i was young I was one of the main ones. now that I am older i see whats really up. you cannot advocate violence against people because you dont agree with their lifestyle. thats some rightwing republican shit. real talk to each his own
Why should the Gay community “step up” and support the Red Fox? That seems like giving an arsonist a reward for putting out a fire he started in the first place.
Beautifully said, Terrell. Thank you.
FYI, from a local person in the know: “However, this has just posted on Facebook:
CAPLETON with the PROPHECY Band in Humboldt…NOT CANCELLED!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/494005443946030/
Seems the promoter, Bonus Entertainment, same one who has promoted Capleton before here, is moving the event to a Club T.B.A.. “
When is this community gonna lighten up?
I do not believe in censoring art.
some artists make statements of hate, or mis- information. mostly due to thier own upbringing and indoctrination. Some artists learn new ways and change thier lyrics or avoid songs from thier repetoir that no longer represent thier view. Other artists paint picture with words- expressing everything-weather they agree with the view point or not.
Forgiveness and education is a huge step in ending hate. I think the gay community should- a not go to the show if they don’t like it, or encourage tolerance. If the Humboldt gay community is in the business of censorship I think they have their work cut out for them,everyone has at one time or another failed to be tolerant.
what’s next? stopping people from expressing how they feel? Demanding that art that expresses homophobia be banned? Where does it end?
“promote what you love rather than bashing what you hate”
-unknown
You must have never been beat up for your art.
@I am an artist. Well I’m an artist too and I like to sing songs that encourage people to hang black people from trees. Not songs that say I dislike black people, but songs that say, “you should go find a black person and hang them from a tree.” What do U think? You want that in your community? I’m thinking a line has been crossed. Capleton has crossed the line too many times. So has the RFT
The issue here is education, you don’t change someone by force- you give them the education and information to come to have new values.
You have compassion and forgiveness for them( even if they do not have it for you) and give them the ability to change.
Art is an expression.An ever changing expression of a persons view of the world they live in.
To censor Art is similar to supporting Anti-Gay legislation do you understand?
For all those screaming “censorship”, here’s what the law says. DWI
California Penal Code 11410. (a) The Legislature finds and declares that it is the right
of every person regardless of actual or perceived disability, gender,
gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity,
religion, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group
with these actual or perceived characteristics, to be secure and
…protected from fear, intimidation, and physical harm caused by the
activities of violent groups and individuals. It is not the intent of
this chapter to interfere with the exercise of rights protected by
the Constitution of the United States. The Legislature recognizes the
constitutional right of every citizen to harbor and express beliefs
on any subject whatsoever and to associate with others who share
similar beliefs. The Legislature further finds however, that the
advocacy of unlawful violent acts by groups against other persons or
groups under circumstances where death or great bodily injury is
likely to result is not constitutionally protected, poses a threat to
public order and safety, and should be subject to criminal and civil
sanctions.
i believe that paper proclamations such as the above posted law serve with the intent to mend fundamental failings in our social structure and do not change the way people think and or act.
We should work to change intolerance from the root- the way people are raised, taught, indoctrinated and educated are what determine the types of behaviors they express- not the laws written in the land they live.
Not giving a hater a platform is not the same as “censoring” them, any more than it is “censorship” just because the New York Times doesn’t offer the Grand Wizard of the KKK a weekly Op-Ed column.
Looks like we don’t have to worry about Eminem, Brad Paisley, Lil’ Wayne, Katy Perry, Common, Soulja Boy, Cee Lo Green, Big & Rich, Chris Brown, or 50 Cent performing locally anytime soon.
I Am An Artist says:
“You have compassion and forgiveness for them( even if they do not have it for you) and give them the ability to change.”
I couldn’t agree more, IAAA. But compassion and forgiveness does not include providing them with a stage and an opportunity to join you in making money.
And the gay community, as is well documented, has tried repeatedly to work with these liars. The result has been repeated promises, and repeated promises broken.
So compassion, yes. Understanding, yes. Forgiveness, yes, after apology. Welcome? No. Not until there’s evidence of true remorse.
Your freedom of speech ends when you yell “Fire” in a crowded theater. See, there are restrictions.
SLIGHTED?!!! You mean like THIS disgusting piece of cartoon work you just posted?!!
Joel Mielke- I guess they’ll have to move the scaffold.
http://www.northcoastjournal.com/news/2012/09/27/westboro-goes-irie/
I have seen Capleton perform several times and he has never performed any of these controversial songs. He also hasn’t recorded any in a very long time. What I have heard from Capleton has been very positive and peaceful. Does this change the fact that he recorded lyrics in the past which supposedly call for violence against gays…no it doesn’t and I completely understand why someone would choose not to give their money to him. On the other hand I don’t understand why the Humboldt County LGTB community can get so outraged and angry at a few very specific dancehall artists to the point of not allowing them to perform. No one has ever left a concert of one of these artists and then gone out and committed a hate crime. The Bible talks about the “evil” of homosexuality and says that God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone because of it. So why single out a few reggae when they express a similar religious belief? Why not protest with such passion every church every Sunday if they are so opposed to these views being expressed in a public forum? Honestly this feels like a much more personal attack on the reggae/rasta community. Reggae fans don’t go out and protest when the LGBT community has events such as Bat N Rouge where men dress up as women and run around on a baseball field acting out homosexual behavior on front of children in the audience. If you don’t like Capleton’s lyrics from the past and you don’t want to support him in the present because of them…then don’t buy his music or attend his shows. But protesting him to the point where he can no longer perform for fans who wan’t to see him is censorship and denies him the opportunity to prove that he has changed. I keep hearing people say we can’t allow this to happen in our community…allow what to happen exactly? Like I said these songs are not performed and nobody who attends these shows is attending because they are hoping to hear these few songs. What happens at these shows is that people of all race, color, sexual orientation, creed, and belief come together and have a peaceful good time. WOW we better make sure that never happens in our community!!!
I must be lacking convictions…I go to Bat N Rouge AND have gone to Capleton shows.
I’m bad at picking sides when there is so much positive to experience on either end…
1. What do you think caused your heterosexuality?
2. When and where did you decide you were a heterosexual?
3. Is it possible this is just a phase and you will out grow it? 4. Is it possible that your sexual orientation has stemmed from a neurotic fear of others of the same sex? 5. Do your parents know you are straight? Do your friends know- how did they react? 6. If you have never slept with a person of the same sex, is it just possible that all you need is a good gay lover? 7. Why do you insist on flaunting your heterosexuality… can’t you just be who you are and keep it quiet? 8. Why do heterosexuals place so much emphasis on sex? 9. Why do heterosexuals try to recruit others into this lifestyle? 10. A disproportionate majority of child molesters are heterosexual… Do you consider it safe to expose children to heterosexual teachers? 11. Just what do men and women do in bed together? How can they truly know how to please each other, being so anatomically different? 12. With all the societal support marriage receives, the divorce rate is spiraling. Why are there so few stable relationships among heterosexuals? 13. How can you become a whole person if you limit yourself to compulsive, exclusive heterosexuality? 14. Considering the menace of overpopulation how could the human race survive if everyone were heterosexual? 15. Could you trust a heterosexual therapist to be objective? Don’t you feel that he or she might be inclined to influence you in the direction of his orher leanings? 16. There seem to very few happy heterosexuals. Techniques have been developed that might enable you to change if you really want to. 17. Have you considered trying aversion therapy?
Give it a Rest,
“I don’t understand why the Humboldt County LGTB community can get so outraged and angry at a few very specific dancehall artists”
It’s a reasonable question. It’s because these artists are still calling for the deaths of gay people, whether in Humboldt or not. They are still profiting from murder music in their catalogues, and they are still performing these songs in other places. That’s despite various promises, and despite the flaunting of the promise documents even after the promises were broken.
If you really want to look into the matter, a good place to start would be here: http://www.guernicamag.com/features/greenberg_12_1_10/
If it makes you uncomfortable to see people — mostly asinine heterosexuals thinking they’re very cool — dressing up as women at events like Bat’n’Rouge, imagine how uncomfortable you’d feel if your friends didn’t object to someone calling for their hanging, their being soaked in acid, or their being murdered with Uzi machine guns. Imagine how uncomfortable it would make you feel if a good beat trumped the right to life of people like you, but with the misfortune to have been born in Jamaica.
The lyrics that Capleton used are deplorable and obviously the gay community has a right and interest in preventing him from playing. It’s my understanding that he wrote those lyrics when he was a young ghetto kid and no longer preforms them. Has his views changed over the years? Maybe, but I don’t know.
Personally i could care less if he played or not. If he did, would an audience member engage in a gay hate crimes after the show? I seriously doubt it. Most people could not even understand what he is saying anyway. The lyrics are difficult to decipher even when reading them. Again that’s not to belittle his incitement to violence.
What i’m more concerned about is creeping censorship. Remember the PMRC in the 80’s? What about Ice-T’s Cop Killer song? How many cops were killed because of that Ice T song? What if Christians protested death metal shows or protested any record store that sold the band Christian Death?
The Journal SUCKS! Lets blacklist it as a community like we did the Arcata Eye! How about some unbiased journalism for once, actual journalism. Your hokey local free dribble is bad enough, but to actually publish this bullshit??? I vow to grab every free pile of crap you call stacks of ‘Journal’ism and chuck them out in the dumpster behind the Co-op. Pics to follow!!!
Way to go, Steve! Make that anti-censorship point! Make it good!
For “Give it a rest”:
http://youtu.be/ezQjNJUSraY
This is an hour long discussion about what the Bible does and does not say about “homosexuality”, I would suggest those who want to hold the Bible against “homosexuals” should watch it, so they know what they are talking about.
For everyone else who thinks God hates Gay people, well, he probably hates you too. Read Leviticus and find out what you are doing wrong.
Lighten up.
As far as Capleton, well…the First Amendment does protect art, but the First Amendment does not protect inciting violence. Just because you don’t hear about people getting beaten or killed only means you aren’t listening. I wonder when any of you actually picked up the Department of Justice report on Hate Crime in the U.S. or if you are aware of the statistics it portrays about our kind hearted Christian Nation?
May God Be With You.
For some additional information about Capleton: http://bit.ly/K7hQIo
So let me see if I understand this correctly…The Journal asked Mr. Devito for a free ticket to see Capleton perform so that they could then report on all the horrible gay bashing that goes on at his shows. So Mr. Devito generously donates a ticket to the Journal as requested. Mr. Goff attends the concert where he witnesses in hos own words “No anti-gay rhetoric. Only “people who love dancehall reggae peaceably enjoying them some dancehall reggae. No incidents.” Ok so now it’s time to review the concert as promised right? Think again! Since this gathering of peacful, loving people dancing and having a good time to messages of peace, love, and equality does not support the North Coast Journal’s agenda of bashing Capeton and reggae music fans they choose not to report anything about the concert they had promised Mr. Devito the would review. Ever heard of journalistic integrity? Obviously not but I’m sure you’ve heard of media bias since you are so very good at it!
Mitch I just saw a post on grio, a black issues fb site. The Neo Nazis are doing a concert somewhere down south and about 99% of black people said” let them do it,its free speech”
Gays are some of the most intolerant groups of anyone. Gays ive known hate blacks with a passion or think of them in a objective way, as animals with big penises who are good 4 a bang but on the bottom rung of the gay ladder. Maybe gays should address this fact before protesting against people. Google gays racist against blacks, there are pages n pages about it!
Wow Andrew Goff . What a condescending piece. From your experience at the Capelton show in 2010 there was no drama only love and good vibes. But you are still on the propaganda wagon. Make delusional trouble where there is none. You and the gay community paint a picture that a Capelton show is a Anti gay rally. Where as that is not the case. No one left the 2010 show filled with hate towards gays. No one went there to hate gays. They went to the good vibes and the love of Reggae music. in 2010 Capelton performed with Tanya Stephens who is a vocal pro gay activist who song to you still care spreads light on Gay issues in JA. This whole Ban Music from a community is over sensitive P.C. Misinterpreted B.S. Shame on Andrew Goff for this article and the fact that he could have reported that the 2010 show was a huge success and peaceful event and choice not to so he could push his personal agenda on the good people of Humboldt. Sensational, Ignorant garbage was all this article was.
Capleton has called for gays to be killed as recently as 12/25/07 (YouTube video).
Though his manager, Capleton has denied that he ever wrote or performed songs that called for LGBT people to be killed. He has written a number of such songs.
Capleton tells clubs that he signed a Reggae Compassionate Act agreement, promising not to promote hatred and violence. He does not tell clubs that he violated that agreement at that 12/25/07 event shown in a YouTube video.
Capleton runs a charity event in Jamaica each year called “A St Mary Mi Come From.” At the 2011 event, “Boom Bye Bye,” a song calling for gays to be killed was performed.
Capleton belongs to one of the most extreme and anti LGBT Rasta mansions, the Bobo Shanti.
He’s had a lifetime of indoctrination in extreme homophobia. There is no evidence that he is any less homophobic now than he was in 1992 when he released “Shot Him Up.”
More information: http://bit.ly/K7hQIo
If you were really upset about it you would protest the concert attendees, some of your fellow community members, instead of interfering with this man who seems to be respectful of our wishes. He doesn’t use the visits here to promote or perform hateful rhetoric.
Intolerance is rampant in Jamaica, yet I don’t see any widespread boycotts on Jamaica at large.
I see a lot of grandstanding here, big on ideas, short on action. Harassing a local business is not big action.
I would have liked to see the LGBT community buy all the tix and turn the show into a make-out festival. If Capleton was truly an irredeemable bigot he would probably never return. Love is always the answer.
By all accounts, Cap’s intolerance stems from his religion, something we Americans are familiar with. Aren’t we still fighting for gay rights here?
“I would have liked to see the LGBT community buy all the tix and turn the show into a make-out festival.”
Too funny. I’d bet the promoter who brings this bigot to our area would love that, too. “Hey, gay money, bigot money, it’s all good.”
The murder music campaign has had a big impact in Jamaica, which is beginning to wake up to the fact that it’s most popular export has turned toxic on it. “One love” has turned into “hang dem high,” and Jamaicans who would like for their music and tourism industries to flourish are worried, as they should be. The society is going to need time to figure out how to put a lid on the hatred, but no lid would even be imaginable if it were not for outside pressure.
You might think that a cancellation or visible protest in Humboldt is no big deal, but you’d be wrong.
Here’s this week’s insane Jamaican homophobia report, from the Jamaica Observer.
First, two young boys are found dead in a river, nude.
The Observer reports:
“There were many speculations by angry residents as to how the boys died. Many surmised that the boys were sodomised then killed and their bodies dumped in the river. Persons claimed that Javani’s intestines were protruding through the anus.
“However, commander for the Area One Police Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police Devon Watkis, said there were no signs of violence and that the deaths appeared to be an accident.”
What happens next?
ZION, Trelawny — The police have taken an undisclosed number of people into custody in connection with Sunday night’s hacking to death of a man whose house was also firebombed.
The dead man’s 18-year-old daughter was also severely chopped in the incident.
The deceased has been identified as Donovan Hazley also called ‘Abbra’ of Zion, Martha Brae in Trelawny.
His daughter has been admitted in hospital in serious but stable condition following an emergency surgery at the Cornwall Regional Hospital.
The arson and murder is widely speculated to be in reprisal for the death of two boys from Zion whose decomposing bodies were discovered in the Martha Brae River last week, after they went missing for five days.
Who was the murdered man? He’s believed to be the stepfather of a gay man accused of killing the boys.
What happened next?
An autopsy report showed that the two boys died of drowning. “Update: Zion boys died from drowning — Police,” Jamaica Observer 09/24/12
(more)
Finally, this letter to the editor from a woman in Kingston.
Finally, this letter to the editor:
Dear Editor,
Violence in Jamaica has become so entrenched over the years that sometimes new actions just go over our heads, as a means of self-preservation, I guess. For really, if we allowed ourselves to react to every new atrocity, isn’t it possible that this country would have nothing but mad people roaming around?
However, this latest incident is just too wicked, cold-blooded and vicious not to elicit some reaction, even from a stolid prime minister who seems to think that if she condemns evil in the society or expresses outrage about anything, she could lose that valuable thing called power!
I am here referring to the hacking to death of Donovan Hazley of Zion Hill in Trelawny and the injury to his 18-year-old daughter. This apparently arose from the unfortunate drowning of seven-year old Alex Brown and 10-year-old Javani Brown.
These youngsters, from all reports, drowned in the Martha Brae River but for some strange reason the residents have convinced themselves that they were killed after allegedly being buggered by a relative of Mr Hazley’s. Even if this were true, why attack the stepfather and his daughter? As severe as the loss of the children was, even if they did not die by accident as the reports might indicate, murdering innocent people just cannot be accepted.
I hope the authorities will leave no stone unturned (why does that phrase sound so hollow in this country, one of the top five murder capitals of the world?) to bring to justice those who murdered Mr Hazley, destroyed the family’s home and put his 18-year-old daughter in the hospital. And if by chance the two young children were indeed murdered, every step should be taken to bring their assailants to justice.
Joan Williams
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/Murdering-the-innocent-cannot-be-accepted_12623606#ixzz27yPeF5RH
Ms. Williams is brave to use her name in this situation.
If it is reminiscent of the lynchings the Klan conducted in the American South any time a white girl claimed she’d been “touched” by a black man, that’s not coincidental. Societies always and everywhere seek out scapegoats, exclude them from protection, and blame the scapegoats for what happens to them. It’s evil incarnate.
In the American south, it was black people. In Jamaica, it’s gay people. Plus ca change, plus c’est la meme chose.
It’s not all good. Raise your voice in protest against those who support this form of bigotry, regardless of which group has been scapegoated.
WE are not forcing Capleton on anyone. Part of OUR community wishes to see him. These people want to take away our right to see this show. They are lying to business owners to portray this show and Capleton as a promoter of violence and hate. The words of aggression and pressure to cancel against local businesses by the LGBT and those who support them have forced this show to move to a secret location. Is this how the LGBT operates? Silencing people who oppose their ideals?
Capleton is a promoter of Love and Respect.
The Northcoast journal reviewed the show on their blog page above.
That is the truth of how the show goes. So please, LGBT, stop with the lies and slander. REALIZE that not everyone agrees with your way, and they have the right to express it and that does not make them bad people. Instead of building understanding, you are building dislike and resentment.
I completely agree that you have a right to your show, just as we have a right to our protesting of it.
You also have a right to lie as much as you like, but I’ve attempted to provide sufficient links to information on the web so that people can make their own informed decision as to who is telling the truth and who is lying.
If you agree we have the right to have the show, then why do you and your LGBT pressure venues with aggressive tactics, threatening to boycott them? Brian Swislow is a great person, well liked, well respected, fair, has roots in this community and has a whole heap of positivity, but yet he has been demonized by the LGBT. OUR community is sickened by these tactics. Capletons lyrics are metaphorical, and cannot be translated literally. Capleton is a reggae i-con who has formed the roots of dancehall.
When the LGBT and its supporters attack OUR reggae, you attack US.
Brian Swislow is owed an apology for being demonized, and Capleton is owed an apology for the years of agenda driven mistranslations. The LGBT is wrong.
What is the intent of the LGBT? To silence musical expression? To silence people that oppose their lifestyle?
Mitch, you are behind these attacks on character as much as anyone else. Mitch, when you attack Capleton , u attack our loving reggae community. You attack their characters, and it actually is an accusation of hate.
Mitch, do you believe all the Capleton fans hate you and the LGBT?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racism_in_the_LGBT_community
Bonusman,
I don’t think you understand. I support your right to have performances. I also think those who host such performances should be boycotted by people who disapprove of the performers, who have repeatedly called for the murder of gay people from the stage — not from Humboldt stages, I understand.
In the same way, I suppose White Power groups, in the end, are entitled to perform.
But private venues are entitled to be disgusted by such performers, and to refuse to host them.
Individuals are entitled to take into account what type of performers a venue hosts, and make decisions about whether or not they wish to attend the venues at all.
When individuals disagree with the policies of a venue in terms of which performers they host, it’s their right to avoid the venue.
I’m absolutely not attacking any loving reggae community. I am supportive of anyone who feels that they should boycott and protest performers who have called for the death of gay people from any stage.
My understanding, based on a fair amount of research, is that the “murder music” performers were offered an opportunity to sign the “Reggae Compassionate Act” in 2007, and that this was thought to be a peaceful and happy resolution to the concerns of the gay community that performers were calling for the deaths of gay people. The RCA simply said that performers would promise not to encourage violence against anyone.
My understanding is that Capleton was caught on video violating his promise in less than a year. My understanding is that Beenie Man, in Uganda in 2009, called for cutting the throats of all gay men. These are not loving positions to hold, in my opinion.
So by all means, I think you are entitled to promote a performance. I hope you lose money on it, but it’s certainly your right. I don’t think you have a right to a guaranteed profit. And I think everyone has the right to decide based on complete information whether they want to support you or Capleton with their hard earned money.
Again, I would urge people to find out more about these performers for themselves. There is abundant information on the web, and a good starting point is this article: http://www.guernicamag.com/features/greenberg_12_1_10/
I hope that’s clear, and I hope it helps you understand my feelings.
Thank you for calling out racism in the LGBT community. I think it’s a real problem, and black gay people have problems with both the straight black community and parts of the white gay community, making their lives doubly harder than they should be.
I don’t believe that opposition to murder music is racist, but I can understand why some might think it is. I don’t know how I can prove to you that my own opposition is not rooted in racism, and it makes me sad that some might think I’m racist because of my position. I can only invite you to read what I’ve had to say on a great many issues, and decide for yourself.
My 11:55 should have been addressed to Ras Mike.
Bob Marley was amazing for many reasons. One was that he came from a place of violence, and indeed had to physically fight and fight well to earn his name of Tuff Gong.
Yet with all that despair and physical conflict, he came out singing about One Love, One Heart.
He sought to educate and win over bigots with love and happiness in every corner of the world.
This is why Reggae in all its forms is popular today. I’ll let it go at that.
Mitch, So there were so gay folks murdered in JA, How many straight people were murdered in the same week. JA is a violent country just like the U.S.A . What does the murder of two gays in JA . This week have to do with Capelton. He wasn’t involved in the murders He is an artist. If people killed cops after they went to an Ice Cube show where he song cop killer. The people who killed the cop would be held responsible. The Government didn’t ban ice cube. There were not a rash of cop killings either.
Music and art can not always be translated literally. I think the lgbt reallly miss it on the translation. But push it down everyone throat with the rhetoric and cut and paste articles.
The LGBT has a big voice on the internet and definitely in the local media. The Slant of the local media is appalling. The Bottom line is they didn’t stop the show. Yes they did hurt local businesses and owners. But the show will sell out and 5 or 10 people may show up to protest. Get over it. find a new hobby…
Anyway, I don’t know about all that but Bonusman’s actual name is Ras DeVito… cripes… I mean Beau DeVito. And he’s had trouble having doors kept open to him at about every local venue during his career as a “booker.” Also, he’s proven to not be a very good neighbor to folks outside his clique of music of preference. And, he’s a victim, or something.
Mitch, then send a word out to your LGBT’s to apologize to Brian Swislow. He has been demonized by the group you represent. Protesting an event is one thing, but the attacks on the businesses and the threats go too far. Mitch, i believe you have the power to call off the attacks, but still you wont. Michael Goodwill is another guy that has attacked the red fox, threatening boycotts. An apology is waiting.
Its so sick the way the LGBT operates to push their agenda…sick sick sick in their emails to our local businesses. i have soo many sick emails from LGBT to local businesses…they are full of threats of boycott and threats to push them to go out of business, and, sadly, physical threats.
Dirty tactics are not welcomed, and require an apology. Furthermore, an apology to OUR reggae fans for the accusations against our musical freedom. WE have the right to listen to Capleton, Sizzla, Beenieman, Elephant man…etc, as you LGBT have the right to man kiss or whatever you do. Would the LGBT like US to arrange a protest against your lifestyle?
Is this what the LGBT have brought it to? No more acceptance? LGBT wants to be accepted for what some think is unacceptable, so should their be protests?
LEAVE US ALONE and STOP writing your sick letters all over town, lying to innocent people. WE are a peaceful people, but WE will not stand for this discrimination any longer.
Mitch? Goodwill?
And let me add Terrence McNally to the list of perpetrators who are attacking US for having OUR reggae show. Another person who is ignorant to the message and chooses to support a platform of hate and discrimination.
My LGBTs?! You’ve got to be kidding.
For what it’s worth, here’s a statement I will stand behind.
I do not believe violence against anyone is ever acceptable, accept as immediate self-defense against a violent attack against yourself that you cannot escape by running away.
I feel that boycotts are an entirely appropriate response against venues that host murder music performers. I do not, however, believe that the venue owners should be threatened with violence.
I believe that peaceful protest is an honorable and appropriate way to call attention to the issue of murder music. I do not, however, believe that disruption of people entering, leaving, or attending a performance is ever appropriate.
Bonusman, you keep saying I am lying. I keep citing places where people can read for themselves.
I will gladly be added to any list of people – straight and gay – who are against homophobia, Beau DeVito. And let me add that just because you’re a white straight male who happens to enjoy a particular type of music, you don’t achieve minority status, no matter how you choose to spin your victimhood. You’re a booker who made yet another poor business decision. Nuthin special.
And just for the record, for anyone inclined to believe me, I have not gone to a single LGBT event this year, or probably last. I’m hardly a community leader if for no other reason than I’m not really a participant in the community.
I just feel that what is happening to gay Jamaicans cannot be ignored.
Didn’t Members Of the LGBT. Threaten Violence against the Owners of the Red Fox Tavern. Is this how the LGBT Does things. Hide be hind Capelton makes us feel unsafe in our Community. While Members of the LBGT Make real threats of Violence to members of our Local Community. This is some Radical Double speak Agenda going on…
who exactly threatened violence against RFT owners, fake name? Be specific. That’s a bold accusation.
Taken from the Capelton Protest Face book page….Tread Starts by Michael Goodwill on Sept 21 3:23 pm
Michael Goodwill
The owner of RFT now claims he is being threatened with physical violence. I have not seen any such posts or messages to substantiate his claim…but if any among you are making physical threats please stop it…it will do no good for anyone.
September 21 at 3:23pm via mobile
North Coast Agenda at 12:18,
“So there were so gay folks murdered in JA, How many straight people were murdered in the same week. JA is a violent country just like the U.S.A .”
It’s pretty clear you haven’t tried to read the article I keep linking to, at Guernica Magazine. If you read it (and don’t think it’s all part of a big lie), you’ll understand why it’s not just some gay folks murdered in Jamaica, just like straight folks get murdered in Jamaica.
If you’re not from Jamaica, it’s probably pretty hard to believe the reports coming out of that country, but it would be kind of you to devote a few minutes to reading the Guernica article, if only to understand why gay people are upset.
Terrence, Michael admits there were calls for violence and asks “.please though, no more talk of violence”
Proof enough that Radical hypocritical behavior is going on within the LGBT protesters….
OK, that looks legit, fake name.
At least they didn’t write a bunch of songs about it and advocate burning people to death. At least whoever made a stupid remark didn’t distribute recordings all over the world saying that their enemies needed to me murdered through conflagration.
No This person Repping the LBGT Made real Threats in my community. Making me feel unsafe.
Not a lyrical painting that can be translated and interpreted.
OK. As soon as you start using your real name, NCA… we can have a real conversation about facts. Till then, it’s just ghosts in the attic.
North Coast Agenda at 1PM,
Part of your confusion may be your assumption that someone making threats is “repping the LBGT.”
First of all, there’s no gay Pope or gay President, so nobody is “repping the LBGT.”
But even beyond that, it’s not just gay people who are upset. There are many people of all orientations who are upset. I’d be upset if I were straight. I’d be deeply upset if I were a straight Jamaican.
And your quote from the Facebook page only suggests that people involved with that page were very alarmed at the thought that some person unknown was threatening violence, doesn’t it?
If you blame the entire gay community for the stupidity of one or more clowns of unknown sexual orientation, is that really right? I don’t blame dancehall fans for the behavior of Capleton and Beenie Man.
“poor business decision” mcnally writes…
On the contrary Mcnally, i am happy for the opportunity to represent and stand up for Reggae…
I’m out.
Continued apologies for Capelton’s murder music are indefensible. Smoke a fatty and enjoy your show.
It is the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you some interesting things or advice. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I want to read even more things about it!
Mitch is a bitch
“Murder Music” Is a term Coined by the LGBT Protesters so Get a reaction out of people. Kind of a shock and awe approach. Capelton doesn’t claim he is a murder music man. This is the protesters way to to manipulate people. Capelton does not have lyrics that say Killl gays. or burn gays. These are interpretations That some people have made from the songs. Very few take this message from the songs. I think maybe 3 songs out of thousands are in question. Songs rarely played at that.
Here is the chorus and the first two verses from Capleton’s classic Hang Dem Up, from the web site http://www.allreggaelyrics.com. “Battyman” is like “faggot”.
Try to imagine how you’d feel if a group like blacks, Chinese, whites, women, or Republicans were named in this song, rather than “faggots.”
[Chorus]
Yow….String dem up and hang dem up alive
Bare batty man come round yah a brive….yow
String dem up and hang dem up alive
Couldn’t mamma earth dema try fi deprive ….yow
String dem up and hang dem up alive
Full time now yu burn out di dutty vibe….yow
String dem up and hang dem up alive
Dis mamma earth sey none cyann survive
[Verse 1]
Last week mi hear say dat di boy go tek a dive
Which part im dive inna di one Rocky Price
Im see di two half an nyam it from both side
Big thunder ball and him head jus collide
Dis mamma earrth and you know u head goin divide
Mi sey early inna de morning all a next man a rise
Rub nose to nose and all a lash eye to eye
Stiff necked fool a full time dem got wise
[Verse 2]
True mi sey it obvious and if dem neva sadamite dem
wouldn’t pick it up …oonu check it out
So mi sey it obvious and if dem neva b—y man dem
woulnd’t pick it up….onnu check it out
So mi sey it obvious and if dem neva corrupt dem wouldn’t write it off
Bun b—y man only b—y man vex
Bun sadamite only sadamite vex
Bun obeah man only obeah man vex
Bun informer a only informer vex
Bun backbiter a only backbiter vex
But if im bun Rex mi cyaan sey a who vex
Mi cyann cal nuh name cause it wi mash up di press
What next?
[Chorus]
Yow….String dem up and hang dem up alive
Bare batty man come round yah a brive….yow
String dem up and hang dem up alive
Couldn’t mamma earth dema try fi deprive ….yow
String dem up and hang dem up alive
Full time now yu burn out di dutty vibe….yow
String dem up and hang dem up alive
Dis mamma earth sey none cyann survive
[Verse 3]
Den a mek yuh tan so and a mek yu gwaan so
An rastafari neva teach you fi live so
Den a mek yuh tan so and a mek you gwaan so
an di Bobo youth dem neva teach you fi stay so
Disillusion, confusion, temptation, corruption
A deh so dem deh, a deh so dem de
We nuh eat whe dem a eat, we nuh sleep whe dem a sleep
Cause a deh so dem deh, a deh so dem deh
We nuh tink how dem a tink
An wi nuh link how dem a link
Cause a deh so dem deh, a deh so dem deh
We nah go dung deh
A bare ba–y man mi hear sey come from dung deh
Bare sadamite mi hear sey vilate dung deh
Bare obeah man mi hear sey heng out dung deh
Bare informer buy out dung deh
Han mi di fire mek mi bun out dung deh
[Chorus]
Yow….String dem up and hang dem up alive
Bare batty man come round yah a brive….yow
String dem up and hang dem up alive
Couldn’t mamma earth dema try fi deprive ….yow
String dem up and hang dem up alive
Full time now yu burn out di dutty vibe….yow
String dem up and hang dem up alive
Dis mamma earth sey none cyann survive
And here is audio of Capleton singing the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPPLfK_y3bg
How would you feel about welcoming a singer who had sung “string blacks up and hang them up alive,” who then promised not to sing songs urging violence against blacks, and who then broke the promise within a year?
That’s how gay people feel about the invitations extended to Capleton.
I don’t understand why that’s hard to understand.
Beenie Man called for cutting the throat of all gay people at a Pepsi-sponsored concert in Uganda as recently as 2009.
The guy who promotes Murder Music says he won’t stand for any more discrimination? Priceless!
I and a number of brothers HATE FAGGOTS and BLACKS. I hope they all get their asses kicked by rednecks in MacTown. Wear rubber gloves so the queers can’t give you AIDS.
Carl,
You’ll like Louie (3:01). Check him out. All the best 🙂
http://www.thefastertimes.com/tvrecapsandnews/2012/06/28/louie-recap-season-3-episode-1-something-is-wrong/
That’s hilarious!
Instead of attacking Mitch and Terrence, Bonusman-Beau might want to look at the support he attracts from people like Carl (above). Look at Capleton’s Youtube videos for similarly enlightened comments in the threads.
Dear Community:
With the return of Capelton as promoted by Bonus, once again Humboldt County is faced with the very real problem of what is deemed “Murder Music.” The continued consumption and support of which, causes our community to not feel like a safe(r) place to live for queer (in this context some may read this as LGBTTIA: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Intersex and Asexual) people, such as myself.
The reality of aforementioned performer’s lyrical content and multiple violations of the Reggae Compassionate Act demonstrate the level at which he is committed to the message that queer folks’ lives must be forcibly taken from us, more than likely taken from the social environment and larger context of performers from which he originates. One need only to scratch at the surface to uncover the super hostile culture queer folks experience within Rastafari Jamaica, and how pervasive murder, mutilation and violence is. How the manifestations of a post-colonial patriarchy, embroiled in the synthesis of an Abramic-based faith and a nation’s people robbed of their identity via the slave trade, contribute to violence against queers and womyn is surely a worthy topic of discussion but I wish to speak to Humboldt County and how we interface with all of this.
Humboldt is often lauded as being rather liberal due to the (one-time) environmental activism and (ever present) cannabis culture. This in turn, has created an environment in which the sense of liberalism overrides any actual issue related to social justice. Professor Christina Accomando, in a Power & Privilege class I took once upon a time, dubbed this sensation the “I can’t be a racist/homophobe/misogynist because I recycle” syndrome. The most rampant example of this line of thinking is related to cultural appropriation, and the unmindful consumption of afro-centric media.
Now, I don’t want to reproduce any of the literature regarding “Cultural Appropriation versus Cultural Appreciation”, there are free zines and essays on the Internet, so trust me when I say that the utilization of Rastafari imagery, aesthetic, and media by White Cannabis Culture is predominantly cultural appropriation, meaning that they are stolen from the context they originate in and are used as a “cultural spice.” And in Humboldt, it is easy to witness this, due largely to the overwhelmingly white demographic of the county and the saturation of Cannabis Culture. And it goes unquestioned, unspoken against. (Aside from that “Anti-Racist Haircut” campaign the Black Student Union at HSU had a few years back, but Campus Activism rarely penetrates the community at large unfortunately.)
It is this drive to assimilate and appropriate that allows for performers such as Capleton to stay in business, as those involved consume all that which is Rasta with little thought. I have read several communications stating that those who attend are “peaceful” and “come for the beats and music,” and most likely do not understand the lyrical content. I posit that if these people were engaged in mindful consumption instead of appropriation, the promoters and venues would not have had a sold out show for this performer two years ago and be faced with choosing profit over justice; that if they examined the ways in which their consumption effected not only their own community, but the way in which this cultural export supported the system of violence from whch it originationes, they would not insist that Capleton’s performace be allowed.
For those that say that this is “Freedom of Speech,” I challenge them to grow up queer in Humboldt County and suffer the death threats, beatings, bullying and associated suicidality that living in a culture that refuses to acknowledge the very real threat hate speech poses.
I urge this community to meaningfully and wholly engage in Anti-Racist Activism. I declare with urgency that queers and our allies must make a stand against those that would have us dead.
And I offer us all a blessing:
Dearly Departed Nuns of the Above and our Blessed Saints, please give our community the strength to challenge itself to come to understanding. Grace us with the guidance to create spaces free of hatred and despair. Nurture the love within all of our hearts, so that we may embrace once another for support on our path to healing. May Universal Joy be Promulgated, and Stigmatic Guilt Expiated. Ah-men. Ah-womyn. Ah-all of us.
With Care,
Sister Gaia T
There are a lot of emotions (most of them negative as a result of holding onto our survivalism, which I encourage acknowledging these emotions and letting them go) here and alot of vis a vis opposition talk. The only thing I’m going to say is that I would personally like EVERYONE to consider the other person’s take on these issues, try imagining having walked in their shoes for its part of how things can potentially change for us all. I only take the side of love, truth and justice itself. There are at least 3 sides to every story, and I’m certain that there are many shades of gray in between all of those. This emotive manipulation of the people through twisted language must stop! I will declare that the truth shall always reveal itself, for the divine spirit of the higher Universe shall only deem it so and never otherwise. No one can exclude anyone in the pursuit of peace, happiness, love and justice. Justice does not mean “just us.”
As for Carl. You pretty much just confessed to the fact that you fuck Faggots (regardless of wearing a condom or otherwise), so what does that make you, but no better than what you hate. In fact, I think we can all learn a good lesson from our friend Carl, someone who seems to hold hate towards most of us (on boths sides of this petty argument) who are nothing(?) like him (seemingly white supremacist) . Here we may have something in common, a man who is an exemplary result of systematic oppression against ALL people who are not “superior.” Your Opposition/hate of any kind makes you nothing better than what you hate. Therefore hate no one, for all you have to do is to hate in order to remain under bondage/slavery/oppression of any kind. Now, with that said, Fare thee well my fellow guardians in your quests, and I hope that the light guides us all beyond this pettiness so that one day we can truly become one people. Om Shante Namaste. <3
murder music is a coined term by LGBT people…more lies….
ONLY LGBT call it murder music…another attack upon righteousness…Capleton is a reggae ic0n !!
The LGBT is guilty of mistranslating to further their agenda and attacking our local businesses to silence the truth. These evil acts is creating resentment…keep it up
Bonusman,
And what exactly is the LGBT agenda?
Bliss.
Beau DeVito, you disingenuous piece of ras shit! An attack on righteousness? Let’s look at who’s defending what. The LGBT community is defending its right to exist. And you? You’re defending a show you stand to lose a bunch of money on!
Here’s to the last show you ever promote! Cheers!
Mitch, you suck.get a life and find something better to do then harass local business, music venues and music promoters.people have a right to go see who they want. I support lgbt, but if they keep on hating, then they are no better then the people they are protesting. One love to all. Free speech and a right to choose. I have seen capleton before and it was all positive music w no hate or violence. The only person causing hate is you…..
Dear Sister Gaia T,
“I can’t be racist because I recycle” is the best, most succinct summary of this local failure I can imagine. Thanks.
Reggae Fan,
One love to all.
Reggae Fan,
I think you deserve a larger reply.
There is a Facebook group of people opposed to this Humboldt performance. Last I checked, there were 370 members. I’m not a member, I’ve never said anything there, and I was not involved in setting it up. Tell me “I suck” if you wish — incidentally, if you think about where that phrase comes from, you’ll realize… well, never mind, I use the phrase too, from time to time. In any event, it’s apparently not just me who is involved.
I’m just someone who is comfortable in publicizing the facts of the matter.
I didn’t speak out against the last performance because Capleton was paired with a progressive singer, and I figured any protest would be futile and probably counter-productive.
I understand that you and others had a good time at the last performance, and I understand that performers like Capleton are highly unlikely to spew homophobia from a stage in Humboldt.
But I think the murder music phenomenon and the way it contributes to a murderous climate for gay people in many other places is a serious problem. The most direct way to address it is to hold these performers responsible for their behavior. I believe that, unlike with the promoters, their religious belief that gays are wicked is sincere, and I don’t expect that I can change their minds, though it would be wonderful if someone could. I do believe that I can make people aware of what they have sung, and the fact that they have broken their promises not to call for violence. I’m sorry if it interferes with your night out once a year, but there it is.
You want to see just how fkd Humboldt is try looking what it’s like to live here, check out Topix and especially the [Poll] Arcata: How Bad Is It?
http://www.topix.com/forum/city/eureka-ca/
Remember – we started a listserv the last time this problem was raised in our community. To subscribe email
Subscribe:
humboldtcoalitiongroup-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
I support ALL forms of free speech,hateful or otherwise. I hate the music and message of racist skinhead hardcore,the dark satanic vibe of the goths, the violent message of gansta rap. I support their right to speak /sing whatever they want. I believe violent actions should be illegal but not violent thoughts or words. If we only allow free speech we agree with, what use is that. In the case of Rasta ,the violence spoken about gays has roots in the bible and the basic idea amongst Rastas That the lord says not to be violent but also says homosexuality is an abomination and that it will be punished by the lord.I the old testament is was punishable by death but as the bible also says dont kill,Rasta teaches that nonviolence is the way. Capleton has never hung a gay and isnt calling for anyone to hang a gay. Its just a way of expressing disgust. It free speech. Do you think it would be different if he said “I hope that Jah” hangs them or kills them? Would that remove the direct feeling of a threat? Is it really over feeling threatened by the lyrics or is it really because the gays are pissed Rasta is promoting gay lifestyles are disgusting and wrong?
Ras Mike,
Thanks for the clarity and honesty. You’re probably correct that Capleton has never hung a gay. As for calling for people to hang gays, well, you can read it for yourself.
[Chorus] Yow….String dem up and hang dem up alive Bare batty man come round yah a brive….yow String dem up and hang dem up alive Couldn’t mamma earth dema try fi deprive ….yow String dem up and hang dem up alive Full time now yu burn out di dutty vibe….yow String dem up and hang dem up alive Dis mamma earth sey none cyann survive
If it’s just a figure of speech, it’s a pretty distressing one coming from someone who claims to love everyone, wouldn’t you say? Or is stringing people up and hanging them, like burning them, shooting them, and pouring acid on them, just yet another metaphor for purification?
You’re right: tacking on “I hope that Jah” hangs gays does not represent much of an improvement, since much of his audience in various countries — not this one, not yet — might be exhorted to assist Jah.
I agree that he has a right to sing what he pleases, and I think he and people in the — is it “Bobo Shanti House of Rastafari” — have the right to their beliefs. I believe I have a right to non-violently protest those who would spread those beliefs. And I’m sorry, but I do find them frightening.
A few more things, Ras Mike, since you sound pretty up-front.
Have you read the Guernica magazine article I’ve repeatedly pointed to? Does what is happening in Jamaica to gay people disturb you, or do you not believe the article?
Do you agree that the music calling for hanging gay people, shooting gay people, throwing acid at gay people, and not reporting anyone who does those things might conceivably be contributing to the reign of terror against gays who seek to mind their own business there?
How do you reconcile that with a message of peace?
Here in America, as Joel Mielke’s cartoon pointed out, we have a group called the Westboro Baptist Church. It correctly notes that the Old Testament called certain homosexual acts “an abomination,” the same word the Old Testament uses for the mixing of cotton and linen in a single garment. But the Westboro Baptists treat the “abomination” language in the Old Testament as a justification for acting out an extraordinary, mind-blowing hatred of homosexuals, to the point of protesting at the funerals of straight American soldiers because the United States does not punish gay people sufficiently.
Do you think people have the right to protest the Westboro Baptist Church? Do you think people have a duty to do so when it comes to town?
Do you think people have the right to protest singers who call for “string dem up and hang dem up alive”? Do you think people have a duty to do so when they come to town?
As long as protesters allow for free passage and dont get within say 10 feet ( just a random distance i came up with) it should be allowed.however, I would respect the venues as free speech zones and realize thats good, not threaten with boycotts. WhenI was young I frequented a place in San diego called soma and the policy was 100% free speech. That attitude allowed for gays to have a night when it was hard to find a venue elsewhere.They also allowed ALL kinds of bands. You could have a racists hardcore 1 night, a hiphop show the next, a satanic death metal band the next,ect… And yes there were protesters all the time. I would ask whats the point to a certain level. The reggae fans dont care what you say ad there is little traffic there to see your protest.
Wow this is stupid, a great reggae show has been cancelled because people are upset over their gay rights and dont like Capleton because he has said bad things about gay’s in the past. Stupid, gay’s will be punished by GOD someday, it is not our place to judge. I disagree with the way Capleton has treated Gay;s in the past but dont disagree that gay relationships are wrong. Let God deal with them. Someday they will burn for all eternity.
“…gay’s will be punished by GOD someday, it is not our place to judge.”
Wow, that’s a very generous attitude.
Yes it is a generous attitude, but i do feel that it is not our place to judge, I let God almighty do the judging and it is clear in the bible about homosexuality. They will burn for all eternity.
Thank you for acknowledging the right people have to protest in a non-violent way.
I think we disagree about boycotts, but I can easily understand your point of view regarding free speech zones. It’s a difficult balancing act in some cases, but I’m pretty sure I come down against hate speech being acceptable, even in “free speech zones,” once it has passed a certain level.
I’d have no problem with a venue hosting performers who called glarf people disgusting, or who was constantly talking about how glarf people should just keep to themselves, because she didn’t like glarfs. But I’d have a problem with a venue hosting a performer known for saying glarf people should be machine-gunned, and I wouldn’t excuse it on “free speech zone” arguments. Basically, I’d want to find a different “free speech zone” that didn’t accept what sounds to me like calls for violence.
I do understand, Ras Mike, that this is an issue on which reasonable people can disagree.
Ras Mike,
In fact, I could easily be friends with (or at least friendly towards) “wow,” whose generosity is similar to that of most neighbors of my sister, who lives in the conservative south. That’s if “wow” could stand my presence.
I am upset at the show being cancelled as i enjoy Capleton live. I think it is wrong that the gay community have prevented this show from going on. Even though i dont agree with being gay, i dont try to stop them from having their gay parades and gay clubs and what not. Let us enjoy our reggae.
I dont want to be freinds with anyone that chooses to rebel against God or his teachings. @Mitch, I dont judge you as God teaches but i have no respect for you either.
I didn’t think you had any respect for me, wow. I’m able to be friendly with various people who feel as you do, and I’m sure they have no respect for me, either. It’s more or less a necessity for living as an out gay person in America who refuses to ghettoize his or herself, certainly a necessity if one has to visit parts of the South.
Wow, I’m really not looking to argue with you. I just always end up wondering why people have chosen this particular biblical message and ignore Deuteronomy 22:11. and Leviticus 19:19. Oh, and it’s wool and linen, not cotton and linen; my mistake. I wish you well.
Wow what a community we live in! Since when did the journal become so pro lgbt that it prints cartoons depicicting a lyching platform at a local venue as a joke. Who in their right mind finds Shit like that amusing. It’s spreading the message of hate even more. How do u give support to a minority group by bashing others….does the lgbt community support blatant racism, stereotypes, slander, and anti-rastafarianism as their platform for peace in this community. I find it appaling that the journal would actually print this sort of hateful garbage. I agree the journal should be boycotted for printing this sort of racist Shit. Everything about that was wrong. Whether the platform was for capelton himself or the gays it was completely distasteful. Jah hates fags…really…..I guess it was all the rastas in California that pushed through and passed prop 8, or am I wrong? Wtf people. And gay murders in ja….let’s focus on the us of a please….where there are plenty of gay hate crimes….and racist crime and sexist crimes…oh yeah and what about that war on terror that has got everyone watching out for Muslims and people that might be from the middle east. Get a grip. I agree the gay community has a right to protest and I agree that capelton has a right to share his music with his fans. Venue owners, promoters and musicians in this community are just trying to make it…. None if them r rolling in cash from the money they make at shows. It is a labor of love….love of the music and love of this community as a whole. A key word in all of this is Intention. Do venue owners and promoters intend to support and spread messages of hate throughout our community? No! Why did they decide to try to put on this show….maybe because last time it sold out and there wasn’t all this fuss…..oh right just because he was booked with another artist that is considered acceptable. Hmmmm so sometimes its ok and sometimes not….just depends on the stars I guess….very confusing.
“I dont judge you as God teaches but i have no respect for you either.”
Priceless.
In wow’s defense, oxy, I can’t find any difference between their statement and the official dogmas of various Jewish, Christian, and Muslim sects. Different hair, same song.
Love the sinner doesn’t mean “respect the sinner.” I think it means don’t hang them.
“Wow” sounds like a trustafarian — the other angry white man.
I’m there with you By where is the love? , Time to Boycott The NCJ. This Cartoon Cross a big line. And the Article And Intentions of Andrew Goff are clear. This was a very huge option Piece, And you can clearly see where Andrew stands. Not much for Journalistic integrity.
The NCJ Has really deteriorated into some cool kids club where they spout off there options and preach to the the community. Instead of reporting.
The Fact that Andrew Goof Went to this show and didn’t Report back to the community 2 years ago. And then sarcastically lets us know that it was good vibes and good times and far from a hate rally is deplorable.
Anyone down for a NCJ bon Fire ?
*Opinion piece
More fyah, 5:14? If you’re going to do an NCJ burning can I at least get the time and location of that? I wanna see. No promise that I’ll write a review though.
Andy Goof, no i would rather not, I don’t spend time with Manipulators…
It’s a metaphor, Andrew.
Those always seem to slip by me.
Actually, that last comment on my part was meant to be funny/bitter, but was fairly thoughtless. There is a very awkward feeling of schadenfreude associated with hearing threats made to “neutral observers,” and I apologize.
It was was clearly not a metaphor, it was a threat. Probably not a threat that anyone intends to carry out, but definitely the sort of threat that can intimidate, whether intended to or not.
It’s really amazing to listen to what people will threaten from the safety of their internet connection.
And I congratulate you, Mr. Goof, on getting into the cool kids club of recipients of junior high name-play. I remember “Mitch the Bitch” from junior high, but I hadn’t realized Goff was easy, too.
If people don’t get that calling for the murder of people is something to struggle against, they are not worth a bunch of time on any blog or other such venue. This isn’t about the Constitution or any law, this isn’t about whether someone is gay or not, this isn’t about liberal or conservative, and it certainly isn’t about good or bad music. This is about someone telling audiences to KILL other people. If he was singing, Kill [fill in blank, name of your relative], would you worry about whether he was an artist or not? Nope. because it’s horrendous, and that shit should be stopped through whatever pressure people can put. The first amendment is about restrictions on the GOVERNMENT, so the GOVERNMENT does not silence us. We can try to shut someone up anytime. And ALL PEOPLE should work to shut up someone who is a bigot and spreading their bigoted violent ideas. Racist, homophobic, gendered violence happens EVERY DAY in the U.S. Do what you can for the protection of all peoples. And if someone puts out rock-n-roll, or reggae, or country, or advertising music lyrics that tell people to kill other people, SHUT EM DOWN.
Mitch, I was referring To a bon fire of the printed hard copy NCJ. Hadley a threat. Sorry if that made you feel threatened.
Not About the Law, You are taking it too literally. It is art and you are offended by the art.
The bottom line is Way more folks want to see the show than have an issue with it, by a land slide. The show sold out in 2010 and will again in 2012. If you don’t like it stay home. Don’t support it don’t give your money to the artist.
The bottom line is you cant censor art, you can try but will fail,
The Show will go on. i’m willing to bet 5-10 Protesters vs 400-600 concert goers.
NCJ Lost it’s Way,
Glad to hear it, NCJ.
No, nothing wrong with a bonfire of the paper — makes a great statement against censorship. How many copies you plan on burning?
“Way more folks want to see the show than have an issue with it…”
You’ve got your polling data; go have your show, Lost-Way. If you’re expecting approval from those of us who think that Capleton is a bigot, don’t hold your breath.
Quite honestly, this conversation, if that is what it is, downright TERRIFIES me. And that is coming from a white,straight female.
The blatant and menacing disrespect I see people expressing toward other human beings here, and in other venues in this county make me truly worried for the future of our “communities”. I really love(d) Humboldt, but more and more, the racism, misogyny and homophobia that runs rampant here and so few are brave or honest or observant enough to talk about makes me sick.
I am only grateful that I don’t have kids, as I am not sure I would want to raise them here around such hatred and disrespect.
What’s next? Book Burning/Banning?
Art is an expression
you don’t have to expose yourself to it if you don’t want to.
education is key
people are raised/indoctrinated to have certain beliefs and the only way to help them become more compassionate is to give them the opportunity to embrace new information and values, allow them to face their own fears that feed into their hate .
People that preach hate or murder of others because of a way of life, sexual orientation, or religious belief set etc…- are people filled with fear and trauma.
It is what it is- RFT dropped the show due to pressure by the local LGBT community- and to show their own solidarity with The LGBT community. B Swizlo is a kind, tolerant , talented and loving part of the Humboldt County Music Community.
Someone else WILL pick up the show- i recommend all that oppose the event to arm yourselves with love and information and canvas the event outside.
THE SHOW IS 100% happening in Northern Humboldt, arcata area, on OCT 11…CAPLETON, di Fyah Man and CHEZIDEK, the herbalist…
VENUE is set and ready…WE will announce venue on day of show.
The LGBT threatens OUR community establishments with boycotts and protests, so from now on, WE will release the venue on show day.
A MORE FYAH !!
Rachel’s words ring the truest on this thread. This is so incredibly sad and disheartening. This isn’t about art. This isn’t about freedom of expression. The bottom line is this, the people that attend this reggae show are saying their one night of good times is more important than the self-worth of their community members. The man, Beau, who is promoting this show stands to make a lot of money if it does well and will say anything to make it a success. Therefore, his opinions are invalid because they do not come from a pure place. Humboldt County seethes with homophobia. Thank you to the North Coast Journal for not being impartial in this instance. Not every opinion deserves validation.
Way to go! You feed that righteous fyah! You’re so righteous you gotta keep up the US and THEM mentality, and you just helped prove my point.
If a singer came to Humboldt who sang about lynching and burning people of color, you know damn well there would be an uproar.(At least I would hope so…sometimes I wonder.) So what makes it ok if the person singing and encouraging hatred is himself a man of color? Absolutely NOTHING makes it ok. Nothing.
And if it’s really about free speech for Mr. Promoter, why not bring a white supremacist band? Or is that where you draw the line? How is that different?
My comments were in response to Bonusman and I Am An Artist…
And I second the thank you to NCJ for standing their ground on this.
There is going to be no hate music at this show, and no hate speeches. Just like his last shows in the county. Have you listen to any of his music or have you just read cut and paste internet posts. He has so many tunes and the 2 or 3 that everyone is in an uproar about are mistranslated and taken out of context, propaganda spread by the Gay Liberation Network. That is there mission to put Reggae artilst that they have dubbed MURDER MUSIC (very clever to coin a phrase like this to demonize artists into monsters) out of work.
The only Hate is coming from the LBGT. Trying to control what comes in to Humboldt County. This is some big brother type garbage. IF no one supported Cappelton then he would never come back. But that’s not the case. The LBGT are acting like a bunch of radical p.c. censoring mafia in this county and building resentment in the community.
If you start censoring music because you don’t like the words then where do you draw the line. Remember this is art and open to interpretation. capelton has never hurt anyone at a show. He has just offended some folks. Has anyone ever been hurt at a capleton show> The LBGT spins the propaganda that they don’t feel safe because capleton will be in the county what a laughable statement to pull on the heart strings of the populous. Because there will be no hate involved with the crowd or capleton. The only hate thus far has been the bullying that has went on with business and the Media bullying and making a joke out of a once great publication that is now just a political mouth piece for a few.
Show up with your signs hand out leaflets but enough with the bulling and propaganda!
Rachel have you lived in a bubble your whole life. Humboldt is a very tolerant place. There are many many excessively intolerant place all over this country. California and Humboldt County being very liberal and tolerant places.
I suggest you travel around the country and see what the real world is like.
Again here is a first hand account from journalist Andrew Goff who was at the 2010 show, no hate going on ..
” Since the previous Capleton show had been mired in similar controversy, I’d wanted to go to see if there was anything to all the fuss. So, I went. Admittedly, there was no anti-gay rhetoric — that I could understand, anyway — spouted from the stage. People who love dancehall reggae peaceably enjoyed them some dancehall reggae. No incidents.”
I would like to point out some of what “The Law” says:
The Unruh Civil Rights Act has universal application to all business establishments of every kind whatsoever which provide services, goods, or accommodations to the public. Some of the types of businesses which have been found by the California courts to be subject to the Unruh Act include bars and saloons… all types of arbitrary discrimination are prohibited by the Unruh Act. Claims can be filed with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing and with the State Attorney General’s Office or your local District Attorney’s Office.
California Penal Code 11410. (a) The Legislature finds and declares that it is the right of every person regardless of actual or perceived disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with these actual or perceived characteristics, to be secure and protected from fear, intimidation, and physical harm caused by the activities of violent groups and individuals. It is not the intent of this chapter to interfere with the exercise of rights protected by the Constitution of the United States.
The Legislature recognizes the constitutional right of every citizen to harbor and express beliefs on any subject whatsoever and to associate with others who share similar beliefs. The Legislature further finds however, that the advocacy of unlawful violent acts by groups against other persons or groups under circumstances where death or great bodily injury is likely to result is not constitutionally protected, poses a threat to
public order and safety, and should be subject to criminal and civil sanctions.
Penal Code section 13023 requires local law enforcement agencies to report to the Department of Justice any criminal act where there is reasonable cause to believe the crime was motivated by the victim’s race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability. The Department of Justice is required to issue an annual report on July 1 st of every year concerning such crimes.
California Penal Code section 186.21 declares that it is the right of every person, regardless
of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, or handicap, to be protected from fear, intimidation, and physical harm caused by the activities of violent groups and individuals. (This is part of the “California Street
Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act,” enacted in 1988.)
I want to thank Mitch, Gaia-T, Michael Goodwill, and Terrance McNalley for all of your statements in light of this discussion. Joel Mielk, your drawing is an apt depiction of the situation.
What I find most repugnant here is how Bonusman Productions is inviting such an element into my community, without regard to anyone else’s safety, solely for lucre. It is tantamount to inviting Tom Metzger, Henry Amaya (http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_18235188?source=rss), or Fred Phelps to speak for money as long as they don’t speak about what they believe; while we knowingly accept that that money is going to be used to buy guns for neo-nazi’s, weapons for Azusa 13 to murder more Black Americans, or to buy yet more time for protesting American Soldiers’ funerals by Westboro. Knowingly going to Capleton’s concert (as you now should be if you have gotten to this point in the posts) you are complicit to crimes against humanity. Paying to see Capleton continues to provide him the stage to encite further violence, to spead hate and fear. His version of peace is a death sentence to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Intersex and Asexual persons, not only in Jamaica, but by extension, internationally. Please consider carefully if you want to support this. If you do, please stand publicly with your friends: Tom Metzger, Henry Amaya, and Fred Phelps and proclaim that you share their beliefs.
As for Bonusman Productions, he is without ethics. Sad.
Sorry to be redundant, but the comments from “Frank Rizzo” require a reply.
Here is the chorus from Capleton’s classic Hang Dem Up, from the web site http://www.allreggaelyrics.com. “Battyman” is like “faggot”.
Try to imagine how you’d feel if a group like blacks, Chinese, whites, women, or Republicans were named in this song, rather than “faggots.”
[Chorus] Yow….String dem up and hang dem up alive Bare batty man come round yah a brive….yow String dem up and hang dem up alive Couldn’t mamma earth dema try fi deprive ….yow String dem up and hang dem up alive Full time now yu burn out di dutty vibe….yow String dem up and hang dem up alive Dis mamma earth sey none cyann survive
Another murder music artist, Beenie Man, called for cutting the throats of all gay men in 2009 in Uganda — it was reported on approvingly by a Ugandan journalist in a Ugandan newspaper.
My personal opinion is that these people DO have a right to freedom of speech, as long as they do not call for violence when they are here. But I also find those who would go into business with them repugnant, and I support those who would boycott or peacefully protest any venue that chooses to host them. I support those who would boycott Bonus Productions or Bonus Entertainment, or anything that Beau Devito is involved with.
With some regret, I’d urge the blog host to delete the comment from 7:24.
Michael says , from 7:24am….”beau devito, do you defend my right to say we should form a mob and come drag you out of your house so that we may kill you? same thing right? let’s hang beau devito.
great addition to the community you are. i can’t wait to see what venue works with this piece of shit.”
WOW…Another sick person representing the LGBT.
If someone thinks Humboldt is a “liberal, tolerant” place for all, try being a person of color, queer or even a woman and head up in “the hills”. Try taking your white heterosexual male glasses off, and you may see things differently.
And believe me, I have traveled all over this country extensively. The difference I see is that at least in areas with blatant bigotry, they at least have the balls to wear it on their sleeves, so to speak, and not hide behind the pseudo liberal, hippie/rasta kumbaya b.s. that permeates Humboldt. And no, I don’t believe everyone here is like that, there are many good, well meaning people here, as is true of any place. I just find the disregard for others and the lack of a real desire to understand and respect other human beings AS THEY ARE incredibly disturbing, both here and nationwide.
I agree with the above comment by James Rogers. It doesn’t matter if Capleton doesn’t sing his gay bashing songs while he is here. You’re still supporting a bigoted worldview by going and handing over your money. You have every right to do so, just as those of us who reject that bigotry have every right to speak out against it and nonviolently call for a boycott of whoever brings this bigotry into our community. The right to free speech does not protect the speaker from a nonviolent reaction to their speech, as your free speech is no more or less important than mine.
OK, so now Beau has chosen to put the statement back up. That’s his right.
There are unstable people in every group — it is part of the human condition. That is why it is unwise for people to call for attacks on others, even when they intend it as a (misguided, IMO) attempt at finding some empathy from the other person.
When a person says “so how would YOU feel if I said XXX about you,” it is like dropping a lit cigarette butt in a dry field. The person dropping the butt does not intend to start a wildfire, they are just sloppy.
History has shown over and over that there are people who can take someone’s casual comment and run with it, in ways that the person making the comment never intended. Words do matter, because they lead to actions in predictable ways. Just because a causation path is not inevitable does not mean it is not predictable.
Sigh. I’ll gladly take that down, Mitch, while also letting the mind bogglingly hypocritical 8 a.m. comment remain.
personal threats are sick and come from sick people…
yeah, good deletion on that one, cause, that was a personal threat that will be reported..
andrew, hypocritical??
Andrew, u represent ncj?
I want to be increasingly clear on this point: Beau wants to paint “the gay community” the “Gays” as a blog: as far as I am concerned, there is no Gay community, Queer Community” or “LGBT Community”: I do not know many, if not most of the people posting here. This blog reflects the views of individuals in this community, I mean, HUMBOLDT, its citizenry feels these things, not a unified LGBTTIA Bloc, but individuals. I can’t stand the idea that just because I am gay, I somehow became a party member without a mind. That is as homohobic as the song lyrics I am pissed off about. Don’t dehumanize me this way.
Fags better go somewhere else, talk is happening about people planning on counter-rebellion against faggots in Eureka, Arcata, and Mckinleyville. Just saying……..
And brave “Ken” issues his threat anonymously.
Again, I second James Rogers.
I am not a part of the “LGBTQ community”. I happen to be a heterosexual white female.
That doesn’t mean I am not also offended, disappointed and deeply disturbed by the bigotry displayed here, particularly by people like Ken, who IS suggesting people attack LGBTQ people in OUR community (as in, we are all in this TOGTHER, like it or not). He very uneloquently just proved the point some of us are tying to make. This bigotry and underlying violence is already present in this county. Why would we want to welcome a spokesperson to incite more of it?
Ken, Go somewhere else with your sick mind…WE reggae fans have never wanted to suppress LGBT or hurt them, WE want to see our reggae shows without being badgered…its so simple, let US have our fun.
OUR reggae fans are loving and peaceful and have never called out to hurt gay people
For what it’s worth, as a gay man, I third James Rogers point. I do not view myself as part of the local LGBT community, and have not viewed myself as part of it for a long time.
No one is saying not to come preform, we are saying that we hate your message, and that if anyone attempts to harm any of our LGBT friends it is going to get mighty ugly.
And for the record, I couldn’t care less what your imaginary friend preaches in your religious book…it is all bullshit anyway…like Dungeons and Dragons…
Beau, You sound like some kind of Tea Party wingnut. You aren’t doing yourself any favors by drawing lines.
I want to know why the LGBT community has not taken to protesting Christian churches. They preach that LGBT will burn in hell, why focus on Capleton. I believe in free speech, I am sensitivet LGBT people , I have first hand experience dealing with gay oppression, but I will go to the capleton show because I am educated and I understand Rasta.
No one’s lying about your favorite reggae singer, Beau. He still sells the music that got him in trouble. He continues to profit from it. People are attracted to controversy. He’s a business person and he knows that you make money when you stir the pot. If he were genuinely apologetic for past music, he would NO LONGER SELL IT. It’s pretty simple. Jamaica is, according to folks in the human rights community, the most-homophobic country on the planet. That’s a quite an achievement. Obviously there’s no shortage of homophobia in this country. So, Beau, thanks to people like you, Capelton will continue to profit from the controversy created by advocating that gay people be murdered. Thanks for delivering an artist to our community that brings up a lot of pain for people and allows morons to feel righteous when attacking minorities. You’re a super great neighbor and a champion of love.
are you studdering mcnally?
dont be scared…Capleton coming to burn a metaphorical Fyah…you are safe
“and that if anyone attempts to harm any of our LGBT friends it is going to get mighty ugly.”
Nah, we’ll put on our heavy duty synthetic anti-AIDS suits, bear-repellant sprays in one hand and my beat-club in the other hand. Come on fags, let it roll we’ll smash you like the maggots you are.
I enjoy your vague threats via the internets, Beau DeVito. Not stuttering, shuddering.
All WE want is to have our reggae show…all reggae stands for the same principles, sorry if u dont like it..
There has so much dislike and resentment born against humboldt gays due to them pushing their agenda on a peaceful reggae loving people.
WE dont protest your parades…WE think its silly, but WE dont fight against it.
Is that the climate the gays want? They want US to protest their parties?
This Capleton show is going to be awesome. Hope everyone keeps it peaceful, but a little pepperspray never hurt anyone.
No doubt you’ll give us a heads up when we are no longer safe, Beau DeVito. Just as you’ll be explaining when your reggae friend is calling for the murder by fire of gay people that it’s only a “metaphorical” murder by fire of gay people. Thanks for policing Humboldt County and overseeing its safety.
Beau, you really aren’t doing yourself (or Capleton) any favors – all this talk about “WE, the Reggae community” and “the gays” and their agenda. Seriously, more harm than good at this point…
“THE FAGGOTS vs THE HUMANS”
HEY THAT’S SOMETHING THEY SHOULD BRING TO BLUE LAKE CASINO FIGHT NIGHT!
I’D PAY TO SEE THAT! THEY WOULD HAVE TO HERMETICALLY SEAL THE FIGHT RING THOUGH. HIV PROOF IT.
Terrence,
Thank you for being one of the few people willing to speak out here.
I disagree with you about one thing. I don’t think Capleton and Devito like the controversy, and I don’t think they intentionally stir the pot. I don’t pretend to know what Devito thinks, but I think the majority of the murder music musicians are sincere in their beliefs that gays are awful, wicked, evil opponents of God. These beliefs are based on some Rastafari interpretations of the Old Testament.
You have to be a religious fanatic to sustain a desire to sing that people should be hung, burned with acid, machine-gunned and so on for their crime of sodomy (or lesbianism, which somehow has been brought along for the ride by patriarchal religionists, even though it is not mentioned, as far as I know, in the Old Testament).
Jason,
The reason gay people don’t picket most churches is that the churches just call us evil, they don’t actively call for violence against us.
If you look back through the comments thread at the comments made by “wow”, you’ll see the equivalent of much mainstream fundamentalist Christianity. They give lip service to “loving the sinner” and being “non-judgmental, because it’s God’s business” but, for recipients of such “love” and “non-judgment,” it feels a lot like hate, butting up against an admirable desire not to commit the violence that is, indeed, called for by the Old Testament.
It’s only nutcase churches like the Westboro Baptists that seek violence, and counterprotests against the Westboro Baptists are, mercifully, not rare.
The comparison of music professing hatred and gay pride parades does not hold water, Bonusman. Gay parades do not push any agenda on anyone. They do not call for violence against a whole group of people. The music you are promoting and the people flocking to his discussion do. There is a big difference. Your vague attempts to make yourself, Capleton and his fans out to be victims due to the backlash is ludicrous. Targets of peaceful protest, yes. Victims, no.
And Bonusman, you still haven’t addressed my question about free speech. Is it truly about free speech to you? Because if it is, then I’m sure you would have no problem promoting a show for some skinhead band, yes? I really don’t see the difference, and it saddens me that you apparently do. I would honestly like you to address that issue.
The prejudice, hate and ignorance being spat by your proponents, Devito, is truly astounding. What venom must be so readilly available to promote such messages as, “we’ll be ready with anti-AIDS suits,” and “The FAGGOTS vs. HUMANS”. What vitriol!
For a moment, imagine that AIDS is speading among minority groups that are heterosexual faster than any other group, Try thinking about the realities of the situation of the world before you say this ignorant filfth, trying to justify your blatant and uncaring act of consumerism. It is pathetic for you to rally behind free speech, art, or even being consumers.
If you buy your ticket, you are a sell-out, you just bought into the violence and suppression of what you call your own values. Believe in first amendment rights to freedom of speech, then support LGBT persons rights to a safe community.
I know Humboldt County is better than this. I bet Beau Devito wants to be better than this. I could be wrong…
It is about what a part of our community wants to see. and yes, i would promote a skinhead band if people in our community wanted to see them.
I have done all sorts of shows, from Natacha Atlas to Mickey avalon and Mickey was a gay prostitute.
I am a promoter of music, i am happy to make people happy, no matter who those people are.
Music is art, and none of the shows i promote push any violence and the history with Capleton in our county has shown that.
NOTICE: All local law enforcement agencies are being notified as a result of the threats of physical violence being asserted against the local gay community.
I’m pretty sure the skinhead band would want to kill the reggae band, Beau. That sounds complicated.
Are you channeling Rick Santorum? The more you talk, the more things get funny.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let me get this clear with you, Beau. You would have no problem making your money promoting a skinhead band if people wanted to see it, a band that would presumably call for the purification of the earth through the death of blacks, Jews and gays? Did I hear that right? Please clarify.
He likes making people happy. What’s hard to understand. You pay him, he makes you happy.
Someone’s true colors are starting to shine through. One color in particular — dollar-bill green.
Vote Romney! Vote Freedom!
I don’t know if 12:45 is spam or someone being clever.
But it would make a great coda to this discussion.
It’s scarey with a competitor like Mitt Romney, being a High Morman, this Country could be doomed. Romney will not support such groups and he will goin and shut them down ie LGBT.
Who are you Ras Berry to judge me?? Coming from a Ras i expect more. A trustafarian? and you assume i am white huh. Thank you, i think you showed who you really are. I give praises to H.I.M
If you’ve been horrified by what you’ve learned about the treatment of gay people in Jamaica, or by what you’ve seen in this discussion, you can take a positive step by donating to one of the bravest sets of people on the planet, the Jamaican Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals, and Gays. The web address below provides details.
http://www.jflag.org/donate/
Mitch, I am curious, If I offend you my apologies. Do you feel you were born gay or decided to be gay. That may sound like a dumb question but God created us all and I have a hard time understanding how someone is born gay. Bless
Thank you for the question and I am absolutely not offended. I feel I was born gay.
When you think about when you became old enough to be sexually attracted to women, did it seem to you to be a choice of women instead of men, or did it just seem like a natural attraction that took place as you grew up? It was the same for me being sexually attracted to men, except I worked very hard against those feelings, because at the time I was growing up it was still considered very bad to be gay where I grew up.
I remember laying in bed in my teens, not at all convinced that God existed, but figuring I’d pray to him anyway, in case he’d change me.
I also thought I knew what gay people were like from the images I saw in the news and movies, and I knew I didn’t act that way at all, so I thought there was some mistake. I didn’t come out to my parents until I was off at college, because I was a little frightened that I’d be thrown out or sent to a psychiatrist to be changed.
I recently discovered that my older sister had concluded I was probably gay when I was less than ten years old.
It took me until well into my thirties to fully reconcile to being gay — I happened to finally find a group of people who were also gay who were amazingly creative, loving, intelligent and kind. I think if I had not discovered that group, I still would not be fully reconciled to being gay.
Thank you for asking and if you have any other questions I’d be happy to answer them.
I should clarify that while I would have been happy if God had changed me, I did not want to be sent away to a mental institution, or subjected to some sort of aversion therapy that I did not believe would work.
Also, for the sake of honesty, I should add that I am an atheist.
So now I’m really confused…..is there a “gay community” or not here. Apparently law enforcement has been notified of violent threats made to “them,” and what about that direct personal threat earlier this morning stating “let’s hang Beau DeVito” that was deleted by the NCJ? I hope law enforcement was notified of that. Hmmmm this stuff is getting pretty thick with hatred from all directions. Are these just personal disputes between individuals that we have all managed to get sucked into under the guise of a human rights discussion? What is really going on here? The more I read the more hate I see. Why has a serious debate on a controversial topic of human rights and freedom degraded to seemingly personal disputes and flaunting of egos? Shame on both bonus and the NCJ especially for letting this get out of hand. I know its not really your true selves and I forgive you both for that. Fighting hate with hate is not the answer.
WE are the the HUMBOLDT COMMUNITY! WE are ALL in this together. STOP the HATE. Most of the posts on this thread have managed to spread the message of hate. What are your intentions people? Being reactionary and lashing back is not the solution and doesn’t help anyone regardless of who or what you represent and what values you stand for. Compassionate communication is much better.
I myself am not always the best when faced with opposition and admit that my earlier post was sprinkled with sarcasm and disgust. Yes that was my initial reaction to the NCJ’s blatant line crossing and misuse of power. I still wonder what their intentions were printing such messages of hate for all of its readers to see, especially in the form of a cartoon. I guess there is a reason these topics are termed “controversial”. All of us including myself should be more aware of those reactionary responses illicited by words of hate and focus on how to come up with a solution and move towards a state of peace and understanding amongst all involved.
Once again….Where is the Love?!
Thankfully Stephen Marley will be here this Wed to promote the message that his father began years ago…and yes he was from Jamaica. Love is the answer…..not hate. Love thy neighbor…regardless of who they are. “one love, one heart, let’s get together and feel alright!”
Lets all take a deep breath and give thanks for being a part of this Humboldt community, thanks for this gorgeous day and all those thereafter that the Universe, Creator, God, Jah, or whatever you believe has blessed us all with.
Peace, love and forgiveness for all. Can OUR community shift this discussion to one of peace and understanding with the hope of a positive solution we can all be content with?
Where is the Love,
“Wow” just did.
I saw him at Mazottis a few years back. He was late, did not play any full songs, was super ornery, walked off stage, came back, walked off again. He sucked! His studio albums are good, but he is a no talent ass clown in person. Save your money. As for the business decision to cancel the show, I get it. Red fox is a great venue, and there aint any reason to piss people off over, what would be, a crappy show. I’m glad he isn’t coming here.
Sounds like Stephen Marley had smoked some crack.
One must understand that in Jamaica being gay is seen as a form of mental illness on par with being a molester or rapist.If the songs said kill a molester or rapist, gays would not be upset.Im not saying i agree but if one ever wants to really understand why the music in question says what it does, then they need to know why. Its not some young male dancehall artist creating the idea, it the society at large. An 80 year old granny would got crazy if she saw 2 gays walking through town. Ja is a fundamental christian country who interpret the bible literally and while Rastas embrace that ideal they are less agressive then Christians or non Rasta peoples.
Those who wana see the show for the most part dont agree but have an understanding that its part of ja. culture and that we should respect others culture rather than imposing our cultural values on them. Too often whites wanna impose their beliefs on others rather than respecting that most of the world has their own customs and doesn’t want to embrace the”anything goes” attitude of Californians/americans . I knew a certain Humboldt dread who went to ja. and was smoking with some Rastas . They tricked him into talking about how much he liked to preform oral sex on a woman. When he admitted it, the Rasta threw the pipe they are using into the bushes, started spitting and wiping his mouth and cussing at the guy about bringing disease and corruption into the smoke circle and told him to get out of there. Thats the way it goes and while the guy was scared at the time he still loves the Rastas and realized it was a bad idea to disrespect the culture.
Tormenting and lynching black people was simply part of southern white culture, right, Ras Mike?
Oh. It’s part of his culture. Why didn’t you say so earlier? Then everything’s cool. Here’s the thing. Slavery was part of American culture. And that was bad. Racism and homophobia still part of this culture. And that is bad. Some of us attempt to move beyond this. Some people just shrug and say that is just the way it is. Some people import entertainers that they know are offensive to their neighbors because they prioritize their interests above the community’s. Some people in the “reggae” community say nothing when a commenter calls gays “faggot” because theyre representing their side. Actually. All of them have said nothing. Some people talk about love but don’t do anything about it. They just talk and buy concert tickets.
For what it’s worth, I think Ras Mike has made a major contribution to the discussion.
Gays are not just imagining this hatred from all-loving people, and the entertainers are not using gays as controversial ways to get attention. It would be great if everyone could understand that.
The performers feel entirely justified in their attitudes, and have felt that they are being pushed around by the equivalent of molesters.
The question is where you go once you understand that, and it’s not necessarily the same place as if you believe the performers don’t really believe what they sing.
Ras Mike has one opinion, an understandable one, that has had a lot of support in American universities: it’s all their culture, you just have to understand. I agree that it’s all their culture, but I also feel (as the Guernica Magazine article points out so well) that dancehall is pushing that culture forward now.
If Jamaica really wants to take a group of people and treat them like, I won’t use the word, but the n word applies, then I don’t think that’s OK. I think Jamaican performers that push that need to be boycotted in the United States.
If the question were apartheid in South Africa, the picture would be a lot clearer to a lot of locals.
I respect the performers, who I think are standing up for their (very, very wrong) beliefs. I have zero respect for Devito or the crowd that thinks it might be “OK” to call for people’s murder by hanging, burning, acid, etc…, because “it’s their culture.”
Mitch, I think you hit the nail on the head, so to speak. I also want to say that I admire your ability to stick with this sometimes ugly discussion, still see others’ humanity, AND still make some incredibly salient points.
Where do we go from here? Keep on talking, keep on educating, keep on speaking out…and refrain from demonizing each other, no matter how vehemently you disagree or how much you fear someone else for who they are.
It goes so deep it get confusing…. I know 90% of the capleton/reggae/dreaddy/hippy, fans are racist against blacks still. Ive heard countless times “I like the rastas but I dont like the ghetto blacks” I also know 90% of the gay community still is racist too. So while not all singing “hate music” it seems there is still plenty of hate to go round
This is a cultural issue that runs deep. The people of JA are brought up living with laws that punish homosexual behavior between men. This is an insight to understanding why homophobia is so prominent in their culture. Thank you Ras Mike for bringing the cultural background of these artists into the discussion.
Wiki says….
Jamaican criminal code prohibits sex between men, as is the case in much of the English-speaking Caribbean. Article 76 of the Offences Against the Person Act states:
Whosoever shall be convicted of the abominable crime of buggery, committed either with mankind or with any animal, shall be liable to be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for a term not exceeding ten years.
Article 77 adds:
Whosoever shall attempt to commit the said abominable crime, or shall be guilty of any assault with intent to commit the same, or of any indecent assault upon any male person, shall be guilty of a misdemeanour, and being convicted thereof, shall be liable to be imprisoned for a term not exceeding seven years, with or without hard labour.
Article 79 further states:
Any male person who, in public or private, commits, or is a party to the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any male person of, any act of gross indecency with another male person, shall be guilty of a misdemeanour, and being convicted thereof shall be liable at the discretion of the court to be imprisoned for a term not exceeding two years, with or without hard labour.
“Gross indecency” is not defined, but has been interpreted to include male homosexual conduct between consenting adults in private
Rachel, thanks for the kind words.
One big problem with racism is that it’s very easy to think of it as something only “mean people” have — “racism” is in the neo-Nazi who is proud of threatening people.
These days, I don’t know many — any? — rasta/dread/hippy types, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Ras Mike is correct about the incidence of racism in that community.
I know it’s at least as high in many gay communities as in American culture in general, in part because (in my experience) gay communities can be very focused on exterior appearance of all kinds.
You can be a very nice person and have some racist attitudes, just like you can be a very nice person and have some homophobic or sexist attitudes. All three attitudes are deep in American culture, and the first step to uprooting any of them is to open to the possibility that you have not somehow magically avoided picking up any of the cultural attitudes while growing up swimming in them.
Jessica Pettitt posted a message a while back, and she’s seemed to me to be an excellent diversity educator. But people have to be willing to step up and look inside themselves before people like Jessica can be of much assistance.
The message of “one love” is about as essential as any message could possibly be, but it’s so very easy to give it superficial praise while missing the deep point entirely.
Ah, the “cultural” defense. Mike Vick tried to defend his dogfighting operation as a “cultural” thing. Pretty sure the South had a decent argument that slavery was “cultural” to them, too.
Its not a defense its just a fact. Its part of the culture. I dont agree with a lot of cultural things but I respect them. Some places they eat dogs,Marry at 12,practice female circumcision,make women cover their faces…whatever. Its not my place to interfere with all these practices or judge them as inferior to European practices when in fact we have our own sick traditions. Chicken fighting is 1 example. We dont allow it here and its looked at as so barbaric yet we allow factory farming where they burn off the beaks and de claw them and shoot them full of chemicals and raise them in over crowed warehouses.
And let me set the record straight…. I as a Rastafarian and good man would protect a gay person from any violence if I was present when it occurred . Do I think its wrong or sinful? Yes but in the end its between u Jah. I do have an issue with overly sexualized expressions by some in the gay community,such as the girl I saw at the pride parade wearing a strap on in front of a bunch of kids or the assless chaps i saw or the making out , dry humpin short shorts w the package in plain view. that is not cool. While I see some of why the music is upsetting to gays I think they do miss the artist value in a lot of what is said. I just hear a capleton song where he said if A guy diss him he kick out his teeth and if a guy diss him him a go 6 feet deep. He was not refering to gays inn that 1 and I use it to show that is just shit talkin. Capleton is super shy in person and super mellow.He aint kickin no one. totally not an agressive person. Its music…
Sticks and Stones people. I think its time to grow up a little….
It seems like just yesterday that I facilitated a heated conversation with local Humboldtians in Eureka over the idea of “murder music” at local venues. And now we are back…
So, if I can, let me address a few salient points that seem to have gotten lost.
1) One of the amazing things about living in Humboldt County is its incredible music scene. Capleton has a lot of fans here, and any music venue that hosts him stands to make a lot of revenue. This revenue will lead to even more shows.
2) Several musicians have been added to an international list because their songs include lyrics that specifically incite and have led to actual hate crimes. Some of these artists, including Capleton, signed The Reggae Compassionate Act agreement, a pledge to no longer sing these harmful lyrics. Despite his signature, Capleton has at times continued to sing anti-gay lyrics, which has incited burning and murder of people perceived to be gay.
3) October 11th is known nationally at National Coming Out Day within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.
4) Humboldt County government includes LGBT people in its non-discrimination policy.
When I facilitated large group conversations several years ago, I found people mostly just wanted to be heard. Business owners didn’t want to lose business, fire employees or hurt the LGBT community. Promoters wanted to bring in entertainers who are part of a big-picture music scene. LGBT folks and their allies didn’t want to harm local business or promoters.
In Capleton we have an artist who hasn’t always complied with his promise to stop singing lyrics that encourage violence. And he’s scheduled to perform on National Coming Out Day at an undisclosed location here in Humboldt County, a community that has taken a stand against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender. That’s more of an “ouch” than a denial of freedom of expression.
Unfortunately, the “ouches” being stirred up this time around are painful for different people in different ways. Losing revenue or disenfranchising a portion of the community is something to take seriously as a small business owner. On the other hand, hate crimes against LGBT people (and those perceived to be LGBT) are more likely to result in death than any other kind of reported hate crime. Humboldt County isn’t immune to these national trends.
Ideally, no one would incite violence or hate on either side of this dilemma. Moreover, our community members — all of them — should be able to enjoy yet another great musical performance while feeling safe.
Even more important is for folks to actually listen to each other without using violent terminology or labels that don’t take into consideration of the complexities of the issues. If you don’t like Capleton’s music, don’t go to the show. If you don’t like the venue owner’s business decisions or the promoter’s judgment, let them know. Such actions can be taken without inciting violence, fear or hate.
The exciting thing about the First Amendment, which is getting thrown around a lot in this conversation, is that it protects the right to freedom of expression, so long as that expression doesn’t infringe on the rights of others. It is at the point of infringement that people have real cause to feel anxiety or fear. In this conversation, both sides are operating out of fear. Perhaps stop and truly listen.
It hadn’t occurred to me that you could do links here — to make it easier for people to read the Guernica magazine piece I keep plugging, let me try that: Murder Music, in Guernica Magazine.
Hope that worked, and I really hope some folks will take a moment to read the two part article, which is compelling and thoughtful.
Ras Mike – unless it’s in a swimming pool, nobody actually does chicken fights. You might be thinking of cock fighting, which is very much illegal and a ring was broken up in McKinleyville only two years ago.
It is absolutely appropriate to speak out against injustices, no matter what the cultural considerations. That’s what keeps Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and the United Nations. Female circumcision is wrong. Human trafficking is wrong. Advocating the murder of people because of their sexual orientation is wrong. These people are not “super mellow.” It’s really very simple.
http://glbtqjamaica.blogspot.com/
Brian wears sunglasses to hide his gray and lifeless left eye—damaged, he says, by kicks and blows with a board from Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton. Brian, 44, is gay, and Banton, 32, is an avowed homophobe whose song Boom Bye-Bye decrees that gays “haffi dead” (“have to die”). In June 2004, Brian claims, Banton and some toughs burst into his house near Banton’s Kingston recording studio and viciously beat him and five other men. After complaints from international human-rights groups, Banton was finally charged last fall, but in January a judge dismissed the case for lack of evidence. It was a bitter decision for Brian, who lost his landscaping business after the attack and is fearful of giving his last name. “I still go to church,” he says as he sips a Red Stripe beer. “Every Sunday I ask why this happened to me.”
Though familiar to Americans primarily as a laid-back beach destination, Jamaica is hardly idyllic. The country has the world’s highest murder rate. And its rampant violence against gays and lesbians has prompted human-rights groups to confer another ugly distinction: the most homophobic place on earth.
In the past two years, two of the island’s most prominent gay activists, Brian Williamson and Steve Harvey, have been murdered — and a crowd even celebrated over Williamson’s mutilated body. Perhaps most disturbing, many anti-gay assaults have been acts of mob violence. In 2004, a teen was almost killed when his father learned his son was gay and invited a group to lynch the boy at his school. Months later, witnesses say, police egged on another mob that stabbed and stoned a gay man to death in Montego Bay. And this year a Kingston man, Nokia Cowan, drowned after a crowd shouting “batty boy” (a Jamaican epithet for homosexual) chased him off a pier. “Jamaica is the worst any of us has ever seen,” says Rebecca Schleifer of the U.S.-based Human Rights Watch and author of a scathing report on the island’s anti-gay hostility.
Jamaica may be the worst offender, but much of the rest of the Caribbean also has a long history of intense homophobia. Islands like Barbados still criminalize homosexuality, and some seem to be following Jamaica’s more violent example. Last week two CBS News producers, both Americans, were beaten with tire irons by a gay-bashing mob while vacationing on St. Martin. One of the victims, Ryan Smith, was airbused to a Miami hospital, where he remains in intensive care with a fractured skull.
Gay-rights activists attribute the scourge of homophobia in Jamaica largely to the country’s increasingly thuggish reggae music scene. Few epitomize the melding of reggae and gangsta cultures more than Banton, who is one of the nation’s most popular dance-hall singers. Born Mark Myrie, he grew up the youngest of 15 children in Kingston’s Salt Lane — the sort of slum dominated by ultraconservative Christian churches and intensely anti-gay Rastafarians. Banton parlayed homophobia into a ticket out of Salt Lane. One of his first hits, 1992’s Boom Bye-Bye, boasts of shooting gays with Uzis and burning their skin with acid “like an old tire wheel.”
Banton’s lyrics are hardly unique among reggae artists today. Another popular artist, Elephant Man (O’Neil Bryant, 29) declares in one song, “When you hear a lesbian getting raped/ It’s not our fault … Two women in bed/ That’s two Sodomites who should be dead.” Another, Bounty Killer (Rodney Price, 33), urges listeners to burn “Mister Fagoty” and make him “wince in agony.”
Reggae’s anti-gay rhetoric has seeped into the country’s politics. Jamaica’s major political parties have passed some of the world’s toughest antisodomy laws and regularly incorporate homophobic music in their campaigns. “The view that results,” says Jamaican human-rights lawyer Philip Dayle, “is that a homosexual isn’t just an undesirable but an unapprehended criminal.”
Meanwhile, gay-rights activists say Jamaican police often overlook evidence in anti-gay hate crimes, such as the alleged assault by Banton in 2004. His accuser, Brian, says cops excised Banton’s role from their reports of the 2004 beating. A police spokesman denies that. But in dismissing the case earlier this year, the judge in the trial warned Banton to avoid violence and “seek legal recourses” when he has complaints against gays in the future. Banton refused TIME’s request for an interview. His manager, Donovan Germain, insists that the singer is innocent and that “Buju’s lyrics are part of a metaphorical tradition. They’re not a literal call to kill gay men.”
There are some signs that Jamaica may soften its approach. Jamaica’s ruling party last month elected the nation’s first female Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, a progressive who gay-rights supporters hope will eventually move to decriminalize homosexuality. She hasn’t yet said that, but Jamaica’s beleaguered gays say they at least have reason now to hope their government will change its tune before their reggae stars ever do.
Read more: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1182991,00.html#ixzz28HzGnM7f
mailbox / By North Coast Journal Readers
Misunderstood
(Oct. 22, 2009) Editor:
Greetings to everyone at the Journal.
I wanted to comment on the prickly gay issue and the “Boom Bye Bye” song. First of all, “Boom Bye Bye” was and still is the most misunderstood song in dancehall history. Buju Banton is not a homophobe. He has never killed nor been convicted of assaulting any homosexual male or female. The song “Boom Bye Bye” is an anti-child molester song. It came out during a time when there was a story in the Jamaican news about a young boy getting sodomized by an old man. So does that make Buju a homophobic monster? I think not.
Also, the song in question is 20 years old too. Also, I do feel that some of the people who sent violent or irrational e-mails to the owner of the Nocturnum was taking things too far. I feel that some of the gay or transgender folks who were mad at Buju could have protested and had dialog of some sort. This issue could be resolved with a simple reasoning session between both parties.
Bless.
Nowali Temesgan, Eureka
this is soooooo familiar territory. I think we have all been here before.
Glad you mentioned Elephant Man, James. Bonus Entertainment is apparently making plans to bring him here too.
Here’s a link to Gareth Henry’s story about fleeing for his life to Canada in 2008 following the violent deaths of his fellow J-FLAG activists in Jamaica. From what I’ve seen posted here, he can be thankful he didn’t seek refuge in Humboldt County.
http://www.xtra.ca/public/viewstory.aspx?aff_type=3&story_id=4387&pub_template_id=2
“Buju Banton is not a homophobe. He has never killed nor been convicted of assaulting any homosexual.”
A rousing endorsement.
Here is the first part of the Boom Bye Bye lyrics.
(Battyman or batty bwoy translates as faggot.)
I understand that people would prefer to believe that Buju Banton was referring to child molesters, but the words speak for themselves, particularly this completely straightforward stanza” “(Two man) Hitch up on an rub up on, an lay down inna bed, Hug up on another, Anna feel up leg, Send fi di matic an, Di Uzi instead, Shoot dem no come if we shot dem”
World is in trouble
Anytime Buju Banton come
Batty bwoy get up an run
At gunshot me head back
Hear I tell him now crew
(Its like) Boom bye bye
Inna batty bwoy head
Rude bwoy no promote no nasty man
Dem haffi dead
Boom bye bye
Inna batty bwoy head
Rude bwoy no promote no nasty man
Dem haffi dead
(Two man) Hitch up on an rub up on
An lay down inna bed
Hug up on another
Anna feel up leg
Send fi di matic an
Di Uzi instead
Shoot dem no come if we shot dem–
Don’t want Jackie
Give dem Paul instead
Dem don’t want di sweetness
Between di leg
Gal bend down backway
An accept di peg
An if it really hot
You know she still naw gon fled
A some man
Still don’t want di
Panty raid
Pure batty business dem love
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,
Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,
Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,
Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,
Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,
Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.
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Article 1.
•All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
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Article 2.
•Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.
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Article 3.
•Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
Article 4.
•No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
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Article 5.
•No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
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Article 6.
• Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
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Article 7.
• All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
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Article 8.
• Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.
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• No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
Article 10.
• Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.
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Article 11.
• (1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.
• (2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.
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Article 12.
• No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.
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Article 13.
• (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.
• (2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.
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Article 14.
• (1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.
• (2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Article 15.
• (1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.
• (2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.
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Article 16.
• (1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.
• (2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.
• (3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.
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Article 17.
• (1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.
• (2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.
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Article 18.
• Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
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• Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
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• (2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.
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• (2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.
• (3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.
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Article 22.
• Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.
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Article 23.
• (1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
• (2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
• (3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
• (4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.
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Article 24.
• Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.
Article 25.
• (1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
• (2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.
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Article 26.
• (1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
• (2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
• (3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.
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Article 27.
• (1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
• (2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.
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Article 28.
• Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.
Article 29.
• (1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.
• (2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.
• (3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
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Article 30.
• Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.
Jamaica signed the above statement on this date: 9-18-1962
It has never recanted its declaration.
It is bound by this declaration.
People like Capleton are responsible for Jamaica’s breech of declaration.
If what I have to say is hyperbole, why this?
http://www.hrw.org/news/2012/08/29/jamaica-investigate-killing-human-rights-defender
“Lezbos for Capleton” !!!!!!
First, the UN Declaration of Human Rights. Awfully long and tedious, and my page down finger got tired.
But then I was rewarded for my persistence.
“Clamilla Bumpenstein” was succinct and very clever, and even managed to squeeze “wit” into her choice of name. Thanks, “Clamilla.” Like the other unsung anonymous commenters, you contribute to people’s understanding of the problem.
So the LBGT Loses this fight like it did in 2010. The Show will go on for the second straight time,
This year the local fringe news agency really try to rally the masses with there personal opinions and misinformation and rhetoric. Andy Goff with the ncj, now ncj’s Ryan Burns with this regurgitated opinion piece. Mitch with the Humboldt Herold. And the most annoying man in the universe and troll extraordinaire Terrence McNally with the most boycotted paper on the north coast the Arcata eye.
Notice on all of these comment threads they are the most vocal and almost every anti Capleton belongs to these few men in the local media.
Nice try but this is not only your community but everyone who lives here. The people have spoken the show will go on. I think the only things you boys have manged to do. was build a huge resentment for the LbGT community with your tactics and instead of trying to inform and present you message peacefully you folks are very hateful and dishonest. You all have kick up the hate 10 notches
. with the exception of Mitch, Who is a very respectable Man. the way he presents is argument is proper and noble.
Terence is just a hater and a bigot and very judgmental. very ironic that he is this way while trying to fight an anti hate campaign. while coming off very hateful and bigoted towards white folks, straights, and the folks who love reggae music.
Change your tactics they are not working. better luck next time. I think the folks of humboldt have woken up to your misinformation and twisted side of the story. You don’t tell folks the truth only what makes capleton sound like a monster to people who have no idea of the controversy. Not that he has only 3 songs out of a huge catalog that you appose. Also he has never played them in the USA. But you are very quick to tell folks you don’t want this hate in your community. IF he does not play these songs or rant about the gay community in the us. where is the Hate not in the USA where the concerts happen. Keep spreading lies good luck with your agenda. oh Terrence looks like your on the wrong side of history again this
I don’t work for the Arcata Eye, fake name “John Stramer.” Your preference for a type of music still doesn’t qualify you as an oppressed minority. You just like that kinda music. I think the Tea Party is equally concerned about bigotry toward heterosexual caucasians, so maybe they’ll pick up your torch.
But enough about personalities… you had it going till you couldn’t resist a “gay” dig. Gay Coast Journal. Boo.
Have fun at yer show.
at least listen to capleton himself
Oct 11, 2012 Information TBA about venue at 9 pm, there will be a concert produced by a man who would do anything for profit, who does not care about his community, its cohesiveness, or the safety of others. He has himself said all of these things about himself. He said he would (and now probaby will attempt to) bring White Supremacist bands to Humboldt if he can make money from it. For all of the times he has appropriated the language, the posture and mind of the Jamaican people, he shows his own values to be those same values as slave traders. He doesn’t care about anything here except your $30. And if it means people are being immolated, brutally beaten and filleted, or having acid thrown on them, he doesn’t take responsibility for that. He wants you to watch Capleton and have a good time. Capleton is like Buju Banton. These men make money here to go home and exalt acts of violence against gay people. Capleton envisions the murder of all queer people by hanging, burning and bludgeoning. The people associated with Capleton’s defense on this bog are either irresponsibly unaware of the facts about this, or know and would have these values become Humboldt’s values. The “lgbt community” of Humboldt county has through this blog and three others like it on Facebook, received threats of violence, been reduced to stereotypes and called liars for defending our homes, and speaking out against the injustices Capleton causes and takes part in. There have been many protests, and many cancelled shows. Internationally Capleton is seen as a contemporary of war criminals and terrorists. Is Humboldt County going to condone, support, and foster an atmosphere of violence, hatred and murder here while supporting something much worse in Jamaica?
I know that as a people, Humboldt County welcomes different kinds of people, lgbt persons are some of them. Rastafarians are also some of them. And the lgbt community does in fact enjoy reggae music. But, supporting a man like Charles Manson and a two-buck-chuck version of Goebels doesn’t cut it in Humboldt County. There are lots of bands and acts and soloists a producer can bring here and pack a house. But Sean Beau Devito brings this guy.
It protest of the show Mitch n Terrance will be giving free bj’s @ pleasure center from 8 pm -2 am
go protest these dudes … oh they r white so its ok http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xqLtxg9UOE
ok, so I listened to your you tube video: no threats, granted it was unpleasant and sophmoric, but not threatening. You do not seem to be able to hear this, but here it is; last time:
Capleton made an agreement, an agreement he failed to keep. An agreement not to incite violence against Gay people. He has done so numerous times, breaking his agreement. He is a liar. He has in his songs “metaphoically” admitted to attacking gay people. He spreads a message of contempt, de-humanization and violence aimed toward the murder of gay people. This in turn is acted out by the people who listen to his music, throughout Jamaica and Internationally. Granted the lyrics in the song you provided were dehumanizing, blaming a person who finds themselves in a horrible situation and uncompassionate, but they are simply opinions and do not in themselves constitute an incitement to harm. Whereas Capleton doesn’t even bother to vaneer his messages. Clearly inciting harm which is what is wrong with Capleton. He is responsible for the deaths of people, not just gay ones, but people who were straight because there was suspicion of their “gayness”.
Some day, if your vision of the world succeeds, a little box will be drawn around everyone, and instead of reallizing there is value in difference, people will be contorted out of fear they maight not fit in that box. And God help then if they need to stand higher than the box allows, because people like you will be there to beat them back into it.
Why is there no outrage over the horrible racist cartoon in the journal? I can’t believe the journal would even print something so blatant. A noose for Capleton, a Black man! The gay community should be outraged!! Stand up for all discrimination. Demand the journal apologize immediately!! Hate on top of hate. I am disgusted!
K: you are so not getting the cartoon: look slowly and not reactively, think about what Capleton uses his stage for. He uses his stage to kill gay people.
Are you Black? Do you have Black children or family? I can no more look at a noose in relation to a Black person than you can listen to Capleton and not think his music is hate speech. Wake up! As I said where’s the outrage. I won’t advertise in the Journal ever again. I’m done. Once again, the gay community has saddened me. The anger and backlash against the Capleton show has not diminished, but no one in the gay community will take a stand against the journal’s cartoon! Stand up for all hate speech, don’t pick and choose what fits your lifestyle.
Wow! Way to be centrist: do you think black people were the only people to be hung? I’d like to point out that gay people have been hunted since around the 1200s as a sport by the Catholics, then the Protestants decided they needed to have someone worse than themselves in Luther’s time (read the papal bulls and the German/French histories from the period), then when the slave trades occured, Black people learned these fucked up things from Catholics and Protestants (if one didn’t become a slave to an Islamic owner) and now, the Black people are tools of White colonialism and this is part of it, don’t you see how you as a Black person attack other Black people over something so integral to who they are as who they love? Don’t you see the sickness of it? This is part and parcel with being part of Empire. You are being manipulated K.
Blacks are not Human. They are half-ape, look at their genes.
Considering the long history of lynching against black men in this nation, I was also offended by the use of a hangman’s noose in Joel Mielke’s cartoon. I sent him a note to complain.
Joel said he felt he had expressed his point of view about Capleton’s shameless calling for the hanging of Gay people in a manner that was drawn in the heat of emotion. He felt now that the cartoon might have been too exaggerated. I thought that missed the point.
I would say Joel does not have a good understanding of the role of lynching in American history, probably as most Americans do not, because that (shameful) part of American history was omitted from the textbooks for many generations.
I am a (white) Gay man. My sympathy for the victims of hate crimes is deeply felt because I was the victim of anti-Gay bullying throughout my life, especially in my earliest years. I am not indifferent to the suffering of others. I sought out information about injustices that had been done to others. To say that I should be disrespected because of an unsupported assumption that I care only about myself and people exactly like me is an insult to my humanity.
I stand by the imagery in the cartoon, and I’m willing to discuss it face-to-face with outraged anonymous commenters.
The noose represents Capleton’s incitements to violence against gays. The gay people he attacks are Jamaicans, so before you lecture me about the “noose in relation to a black person,” talk to Capleton about the real harm he has done to “black persons.”
Low turnout for concert, successful protest out front. Guess beau didn’t see the dough.
Protestor obviously you were not inside the venue at show time. Oh that’s because the Police made you stop your pointless “protest” long before the show began. You accomplished nothing other than making a fool of yourself in a parking lot on a cold night. Although the show was not held for the purposes of financial gain it was a huge sucess. It was a capacity crowd who all had a fantastic time dancing to a very positive message without a single call for violence or hate against anyone. So, the show was amazing maybe next time you should put down your silly sign and come dance!
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Another option, if you stop seeing me around here,
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