Dear Editor,

It is often said that schools reflect the social and political order of the society in which they operate. If we agree with this premise why then are we all outraged by what I refer to as the “gaza” and “gullyfication” of Jamaica’s education system.

A recent news report stated that there are over 180 known gangs in operation in Jamaica. In addition, as a society we are divided along political party lines. Why then should we expect that gangs will not operate in our schools? We all have sat idly by and watch our two main political parties divide us as Jamaicans, whether it is by building and encouraging garrisons or corrupt practices. It seems nowadays that the deejays are the new enforcers of the divisive nature of our society.

The “Gaza” versus “Gully” debate has reached the point where students are asking teachers which of the two rival deejays they support: “Sir, what do you say, ‘Gaza’ or ‘Gully’?” Furthermore, students are defacing school property even at the risk of getting suspended.

Isn’t the school an institution of teaching and learning? Instructional time is greatly reduced to deal with issues of this nature.

What can be done? Should the deejays be held accountable for the messages that their songs portray?

Based on observation it appears that our males are more affected than our females by this debate. Is it a ploy to further marginalise our males? The concepts of masculinity and schooling are clearly at work here.

Our males are in need of positive role models and it seems that the deejays have moved in to fill that vacuum. A significant number of our males find school challenging and/or boring so they seek an alternative that interests them. What is clear is that dancehall music is corrupting and continues to corrupt the youths of Jamaica.