HORROR-struck and disgusted by the lewd and suggestive lyrics of songs broadcast on our airwaves, two interim Cabinet ministers have vowed to put an end to the menace that contaminate the minds of our young.

Interim Women and Health Minister Dr Jiko Luveni was at a loss for words when read the lyrics and translation of slang terms for teen favorites - Lollilop (two different versions), Love in this Club, Crank That and I Kissed a Girl by Katy Perry which currently holds the number three spot on FM96's top 20.

 

Another local favourite by Perry is Hot and Cold which pokes fun at PMS (allegedly premenstrual syndrome).

Interim Education and Youth Minister Filipe Bole was just as surprised that the songs were packed with innuendo, wondering how the gatekeepers had allowed such offending music on the airwaves. He said it was a matter that needs looking into.

A random survey of parents found that while most were aware of tunes, they had no idea about the explicit and sexual content of the song.

They all said that authorities, especially the government and legislators need to curtail and protect the vulnerable from "dangerous idea and images".

 ...

 

Lewd lyrics, Margaret Wise, Fiji Times, 02/10/2008

HOW much do parents know about the songs their children listen to on the radio or the music clips available on the Internet and television?

The plethora of lewd and suggestive lyrics which have saturated the airwaves opens the way to a minefield of possibilities in sexual relationships, suicide, interaction with parents and basic rebelliousness.

It is unacceptable that radio and television stations should allow their airwaves to be the vehicle for music which offers suicide as a solution to the breakdown of a teenage relationship.

It is also unacceptable that public radio stations should broadcast music that encourages violent sexual activity, the debasement of women and violence against the police or other forms of authority.

In some liberal homes, parents may find it perfectly acceptable for their children to listen to lyrics loaded with sexual innuendo. We accept that in such situations what happens in the privacy of the home is sacrosanct.

Some will argue that human rights allow people to listen to this music if they choose.

We agree.

But this should not negate the rights of those who may choose not to be subjected to music of a sexual or violent nature.

Those who want to listen to this genre of music have at their disposal the Internt or Compact Discs which they can enjoy at their leisure.

Public radio and television should be made available for the general consumption of all people.

This means that broadcasters have a moral duty to ensure that their content s clean and acceptable to the widest possible cross-section of the community.

If necessary, specific time can be made available during the night for listeners and viewers to have access to their particular brand of music which most people consider excessive.

Most of the explicit music is available in an alternative form which can be played on public radio.

We see no problem with making the alternative CDs available on the public broadcast system.

But it is for the regulators - in this the interim government - to take the lead role in the fight to keep the airwaves and the minds of the young people clear of suggestive and obscene lyrics.

It is comforting that two members of the interim Cabinet have agreed to take immediate action to end the public dissemination of lewd lyrics on air.

In the past, elected governments have banned music and television serials deemed inappropriate.

There is no reason why this administration, in the interests of our children and public decency, cannot do the same.

Most importantly, parents must know what their children are listening to and take preventive action.

 

Stop lewd lyrics, Fiji Times Editorial, 03/10/2008