The fight against anti-gay "murder music", which often glorifies violence and murder of gay men, continues to hit reggae artists in their wallets. Germany becomes the latest nation to take a stand and will "blacklist" and "restrict [the] sales and distribution" of several anti-gay reggae artists whose music is "intended to induce hate." From the English version of Deutsche Welle.
The CDs by Elephant Man and T.O.K. could be put on the "Index of Harmful Materials," which, while it would not censor the materials in Germany, would severely limit their advertising and marketing.
The Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons will decide over the next several months if the music will be included on the index, the government said in its response to a parliamentary inquiry.
The index includes items such as media which glorify war and violence and are intended to induce hate.
Elephant Man and TOK, in particular, are learning the hard way that it no longer pays to sing songs that promote anti-gay violence. In April, Rod 2.0 reported iTunes Canada removed reggae albums with "anti-gay lyrics from its online store," including albums by Elephant Man, TOK and Buju Banton. Elephant Man's track "Log On" contains the lyrics "Dance wi a dance and a bun out a freaky man", or "Join our dance and let's burn out the queer man." Anti-gay Jamaican reggae singer Bounty Killer is also losing money after recent concerts were canceled in England and the government of Guyana issued a ban on the controversial singer.
"Those in Jamaica who invoke hatred should not earn money with their music in Germany," says Volker Beck, the leader of the Green Party in parliament.
Reggae CDs Under German Scrutiny for Anti-Gay Lyrics [DW]
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Financial Probs for Anti-Gay Bounty Killer [R20]
iTunes Canada Pulls Anti-Gay "Murder Music" [R20]
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Elephant Man and TOK are among the most egregious of the serial offenders. I'm glad the Canadians and Germans are restricting their music. More nations need to catch on.
Posted by: JAM | 19 July 2008 at 18:00
That's right. Hit them where it hurts. In their wallets!
Only now are reggae artists starting to think twice about making this awful, hateful music. This is the right approach. Keep pressuring the distribution channels, manufacturers and nations that are sympathetic to the cause.
Posted by: id | 19 July 2008 at 18:06
This is good news, and this is coming from someone who is Jamaican and can identify with the insane anti-gay hatred on the island.
Posted by: Brian R | 19 July 2008 at 18:20
Absolutely. Long as they're invited and given work, they're not going to reconsider. Let them sit at home and they'll realize they're not indispensable nor untouchable.
Posted by: moi | 20 July 2008 at 04:00
Absolutely. Long as they're invited and given work, they're not going to reconsider. Let them sit at home and they'll realize they're not indispensable nor untouchable.
Posted by: moi | 20 July 2008 at 04:00
Bravo for Germany.
Its beginning to seem strange that certain artists have this bug up their 'bum' about us innocent gay folk who want nothing more than to live our lifes like everyone else. Why is that? Even when its becoming more and more clear that spreading hate will no longer be tolerated, still, they can't pen a song without burning a homosexual.
Interesting. I hope the next time one of these guys is interviewed someone broaches that subject.
Posted by: taylor Siluwe | 20 July 2008 at 14:24
Dumb rhetoric aside, it bothers me that anyone has control over whether or not music can be available. It can end up cutting both ways, and more often than not, usually does. What if a Christian Democratic party comes into power? Will gay artists then be moved against, while reactionary nonsense like these artists be let through?
Posted by: Sean S. | 21 July 2008 at 12:19