Dear Editor,

The devastating and uncivilised attack on our women and children is a national epidemic which must be dealt with by the state and civil society.

I know I will be controversial with my next observation, but it goes to the heart of the disrespect shown to our women. The music industry has produced some of the most dastardly attacks on our women, describing them in the most demeaning way possible. It would seem that many are brainwashed into accepting such atrocious depictions as legitimate dancehall music. Apart from the lack of proper parenting, it is no wonder our young children are sexually active.

The sound systems that blast all night reaching children in their mothers' wombs cause problems. They glorify the most debased sexual acts, while targeting women with their depraved utterances. It inculcates in the minds of our children during their formative years, the notion that men are privileged, with the right to take the bodies of women anytime, anywhere, anyhow - and to resist is not an option.

As a society, we hide behind the freedom we enjoy without accepting the responsibility that goes with it.

I am therefore suggesting that one of the measures that should be taken to deal with this is to censure the lyrics of all music produced in Jamaica and increase the watch on those played for public consumption.

I am quite aware that censorship in a free democratic society is unacceptable in most instances. However, I believe that what we are now experiencing requires extraordinary measures.

It is the duty of the state to protect the most vulnerable in the society from the predators among us for education alone will not suffice.

K Steve Ashley

Kingston 8