Damian Marley's Redemption Song
By Keith Boykin, in music
Saturday, October 1 2005, 7:13PM
Damien Marley has a lot on his mind. The 27-year-old love child from father Bob Marley's extra-marital affair with Jamaican beauty queen Cindy Breakspeare, has a new album and a new MOBO award under his belt. And he's got plenty to say in a new interview published in the Evening Standard of London.
Marley, the youngest son of Bob Marley, has made a name for himself in the reggae music world. But he's also stirred up a little controversy with recent remarks about homophobia in reggae and dancehall music. Jamaican reggae star Bounty Killer, who has been criticized for his own violent homophobic lyrics, appears on Marley's new album, Welcome to Jamrock, but Marley's own album is free of homophobic lyrics, according to the Standard.
What's got the Internet abuzz is Marley's explanation of homophobia by his fellow artists. For example, T.O.K.'s "Chi Chi Man" song appeared to encourage the burning and killing of gay ("chi chi") men in Jamaica.
From dem a par inna chi chi man car
Blaze di fire mek we bun dem!!!! (Bun dem!!!!)
From dem a drink inna chi chi man bar
Blaze di fire mek we dun dem!!!! (Dun dem!!!!)
Marley is not convinced. "When them speak of fire it is a spiritual fire," he says. "But another part comes from faith. The churches all speak against homosexuality. But you don't walk around Jamaica and see homosexuals hanging from the lampposts," he adds. Well, actually Damian, you do see that. Just last week, dancehall artist Buju Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, went on trial for barging into a house in Kingston, Jamaica to beat six men accused of being gay.
Outside the courtroom, Banton was mobbed by supporters carrying anti-gay signs. One woman held a sign that simply read "Homosexuality is illegal in our country," as if that somehow justified beating anyone who should happen to be gay. Another person in the crowd told the Jamaican Observer, "They should leave Buju. What are they [homosexuals] trying to teach the children. We don't want homosexuals around here."
And in June of last year, Jamaica's most prominent gay activist, Brian Williamson, was murdered in his own home. Williamson, a co-founder of the Jamaican Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals and Gays (J-FLAG), was found with multiple stab wounds to his neck and face and his throat was slit.
But Marley apparently doesn't see the connection between the homophobic music and the homophobic actions. The artists who urge their fans to burn gays and lesbians are speaking metaphorically, not literally, he insists. "It's a spiritual burning and saying that they don't want their kids to come up with that kind of influence," he says.
But when Marley, who is single and childless, was asked to explain if he would mind if his own children turned out to be gay, he didn't really answer the question. Gays are "not a part of my life," he said. "Me have more problem with lesbians. Because there's less girls for us. You get me? But homosexuals are not a part of my life, so I don't involve them."
Putting aside the obvious patriarchy in Marley's suggestion that women should be heterosexual primarily to provide sexual partners for straight men, there's a certain hypocrisy in the artist's message. Not to mention the obvious fact that a rich, young, famous and attractive artist like Marley would have no problem finding a woman if he wanted.
The reporter from the Evening Standard observes the double standard and the tension in the interview room. "I feel like pointing out that working inside the British and American music business means that gays are very much a part of his life, whether he likes it or not. But a hostile stare from Marley lets me know that this line of questioning is now closed," the reporter writes.
Marley notes that some rock artists are just as homophobic as reggae artists but they are rarely singled out for criticism. He's got a point. Activists should take on homophobia in white music as well as black music. But I'm not white, and right now I know that oppression hurts more when it comes from your own people.
Just ask the friends of Brian Williamson. "We've had one or two well wishers from the straight community," said the J-FLAG representative. "But many more have said things like: 'This is what you get for sin' or 'we should get them one by one.'"
Last year, Amnesty International released a report explaining how Jamaica's gays were being beaten, cut, burned and shot. Many of the gay Jamaicans I have met over the years have told me the same thing. Even many of the Jamaicans here in America know that. If they know, then Damian Marley should know it as well. Bigotry does have consequences.
Earlier this year, rap artist Kanye West earned the respect of many in the gay community when he came out against homophobia in hip hop music. Believe it or not, that was a courageous act for a young artist still building a name for himself in a homophobic culture. Then last month, Jamaican rapper Sean Paul spoke out against homophobia. But for all the publicity around their statements, it would pale in comparison to the signal that would be sent if Damian Marley came out against homophobia as well.
Imagine the impact Damian Marley could have if he, the son of the legend, the heir to the most famous name in Jamaica, simply stood up and said these words: "Homophobia is wrong and it has got to end in Jamaica." That would be Marley's ultimate redemption song.
Comments conceal
Mel Smith
October 1 2005, 8:09PM
Marley may not be as homophoic as the rest of the raggae stars. It's so homophobic in Jamacia that some may be afriad to speak out against it. Jamaica also has issues with sexism(as Keith pointed) and color prejudice. Unfortunately, it's a third world nation and I think that plays a role with why the nation is so full of homophobes. The bible speaks of oppressing other groups too, but gays are the favorite social group to hate. We're like that one person who ALMOST everyone dislikes. Although, we do have SOME friends. Many scrapgoat gays because they know they can do it. I heard that people be getting attacked in the streets for "lookling gay." That shit has nothing to do with someone biblical beliefs or someone engaging in same sex activities. That's simply prejudice and hatred. People are harassing folks in the name of God. This one Jamaican man I know who lived in New York was disowned by his mother, father and cousins when they found out that he's gay. Homophobes atttack people who "look" gay in the name of the bible. A few years ago, they chased this one boy in a Bronx street, as they yelled, "batty boy." It's pure stupidity and people wonder why we can't get alone with each other. I had a nice baby blue Locoste shirt on in the city one day and someone with dredlocks gave me a hard negative stir, as I walked by. I pray that God allow me to ignore stupidity and keep it moving. But sometimes I'm tempted to put the law in my own hands! Slave minded individuals like Donnie Mcclurkin contributed to the ignorance surrounding homosexuality. These fools don't distinguish between sexual orientation and same sex activities.
cmoney
October 1 2005, 9:01PM
I wonder how Donnie McClurkin would do in Jamaica if no one new he was a rich American? He would be beaten down like the "batty boy" he is. Somehow, I don't think the Jamaican street boys would buy his "I used to be gay" crap. Maybe we should send all of the homophobic preachers down to Jamaica and put the word out that they came in on a gay cruise. After getting their asses kicked I bet that would change their position on homophobic preaching.
Kola Boof
October 1 2005, 10:54PM
Keith,
I am especially hurt because I'm a HUGE FAN of Lauryn Hill (who was/is married to Damian's brother Rohan and works closely with all the Marley boys).
I find hints of the same homophobia in Lauryn's work (the Unplugged CD that I love so much)...and similar sentiments in the work of Sister Souljah--another black woman whose work and outlook I greatly admire.
And although the "AFROCENTRIC" community has always wanted to embraced me as one of its own spokespersons----my stance on (1) Homosexuality and (2) Palestine have caused me to be left out.
At last, in just 2 months (Dec.), my autobiography will be released and I try to deal with this Non-African Post-Colonial "paranoia" that Black New Order people have towards homosexuality....and especially try to put a different perspective as an African woman on the issue.
How can someone call for the killing of gay children....and then worship Nefertiti and Cleopatra and so many others from the "Animist" Era?
Some of us are SUPPOSED to be gay. And that's all there is to it.
Kola
Kola Boof
October 1 2005, 11:01PM
Mel,
You're so right. And not just Jamaica, but Africa, too.
The people are dirt poor and the Christian Missionaries (or the Muslims) come in and dangle food to make them join---and it becomes a competition---who can be the best Christian (or Muslim)....and part of proving yourself is HATING "gays" the most, being willing to kill them in honor of God.
People think I'm exaggerating. I'm not.
Also, the "brown'n" (skin bleaching) among teenaged black girls in Jamaica is now at epidemic levels....as the Black Men pressure females to look more like White Women or Mulatto.
I find that this Caste Prejudice against Black Women is also rarely addressed in the United States.
Black females often suffer in silence for being the color of Keith Boykin, because there is not a "vocal outlet" in the community for that issue to be raised. Yet it ravages the community and everyone NOTICES IT, but Blacks deny it's important.
Kola
Kenneth Winfrey
October 2 2005, 1:02PM
The same thing has happened to me, Kola, but on a somewhat more local scale. In both St. Louis and here in Albuquerque, I have found Blacks who felt that I might hold a leadership position among us. But when I made it clear that I wouldn't avoid discussing my sexual orientation, things got real cold and quiet. It hurts because I really do want to help, but am deprived of the opportunity to do so. So, I found other ways to be involved, and choose to focus more on GLBT people of color, rather than subjecting myself to the total rejection and disrespect heterosexual Black folks heap upon us as gay people.
I really didn't know about the problem of homophobia in Jamaica until something that actually happened to me when I lived in Philly. One Friday afternoon, having just got paid, I decided to take a cab over the 7 or so blocks from the office to Woody's. I saw a cab headed in that direction with no passengers. I also noticed a Black man driving and, in Philly, a Black man could USUALLY flag down a cab with a Black driver. He stopped and asked, with a friendly expression on his face, "Where you go?" I said "Woody's." He yelled, "You WALK to Woody!" and skidded off. Had I been an inch closer, I would have been hurt. Dirt from the car was on the knee of my slacks. I didn't go to Woody's that night, I went home. I spent the entire weekend crying and trying to process the fact that this is still an intolerant world, and that we have much work to do...
After being taught that the Bible provided a rationale for slavery and oppression, so many of us still have embraced it, and hold on to it for dear life. We do this despite the fact that it's all very selective because, as has been discussed this week, Christianity often chooses which parts of the Bible they will obey.
Colonialism is almost like a "cultural oil spill." You can only really partially undo the damage done. The mess that's been made that we call our culture is actually more like a psychological disease, and we don't even know it.
Hephaestion
October 2 2005, 5:33PM
Wow. Y'all are making some GREAT comments here.
I have to wonder if an "information campaign" would make a dent in the homophobia in Jamaica. They have a LOT of misinformation there - so much so that I would hate gays TOO if I thought all those lies about us were true.
Until we TELL them we aren't all pedophiles, and PROVE it to them, they will think we are all out to rape little Jamaican boys. THEY THINK THIS. We have to educate them somehow. One person at a time.
Roger
October 2 2005, 6:01PM
I just helped a friend with an article on this very subject, so its funny you should write this. There are so many lovers of Dancehall music that will-to this day-deny that there are any homophobic lyrics in Raggae or Dancehall music; or in Jamaica.
Lies come in many forms, but they are never a substitute for the truth. I have met too many gay Jamaican brothers with horror stories that go beyond belief...but sadly are common.
Do the numbers: Groups like outrage and our other activist brothers and sisters have been very effective in cancelling concerts and tours and making things very difficult for these guys financially.
I think Marley's comments are little more than PR. His father's main theme was "one love", but there seems to be little to do with love for anyone but themselves, these days.
Mikey
October 3 2005, 1:42AM
I think it's great that Kanye West and Sean Paul spoke out against homophobia - it's about time someone in the hip hop industry stood up for what's right; they should get a lot of respect for that! The more hip hop artists stand up for ending homophobia, the better off we will all be - spread the message of love not hate!
jaymillionaire
October 3 2005, 2:30AM
So Marley is afraid of "that kind of influence" in Jamaica -- the most corrupt, poverty stricken, third world, slave trading island of bastardization in the west.
jazzi
October 3 2005, 2:11PM
Hephaestion, on the one hand I do agree that education is key to combating ignorance. Some people just might change their thought patterns if they have an opened mind. But sadly, some people CHOOSE ignorance. Add to that the fact that they believe they are doing the work of God & it kicks up to a hold 'nother level.
We certainly do have a long way to go in fighting this type of ignorance. And not just in Jamaica. While I deeply sympathize with our brothers & sisters there, I'm more affected by what I experience here in my own community. My place of employment isn't to far from where I live so I walk to work. Recently, I had to change the route I usually take because so teenaged boys began to call me names. Now, I'm not the super macho type but I'm far from fem. I wasn't threatened physically but the situation could have escalated to violence. Keep in mind that these are teenagers I'm talking about. KIDS!!! I'm a grown ass man. Even though I hate to admit it, I'm a little unnerved by the whole thing. Kinda took me back to when I was a kid in school. Some will no doubt say that I shouldn't allow myself to be intimidated. And they'd be right but I really don't know what else to do. I really don't want any trouble so I just changed the path I take to work. Just thought I'd share my story to remind you all that we're still in the struggle here at home, too.
alicia
October 3 2005, 8:57PM
and in other news;
that maniacal talentless bastard buju banton is on the news for beating 6 gay men with bats etc....
i am so very bored with the bs
all is not irie and there is no one love
see more at my site in this reggae homo hatred
no peace,
ab
www.geocities.com/ambwww/index.html
Mel Smith
October 3 2005, 9:38PM
I tell you. This stuff really depress me. Now, if a muthafucker disrespect me about my sexual orientation, oh never mind!
SS
October 7 2005, 4:54PM
Hey Kola,
"The people are dirt poor and the Christian Missionaries (or the Muslims) come in and dangle food to make them join---and it becomes a competition---who can be the best Christian (or Muslim)....and part of proving yourself is HATING "gays" the most, being willing to kill them in honor of God.
People think I'm exaggerating. I'm not."
You've got the wrong idea. As a Muslim myself, I know that hating gays is not part of our religion. It says in our religion that being homosexual is not permitted. So if you're not Muslim, and you're gay, we have no problem with that, we just don't support it. If you are Muslim and you're gay, then you've stepped outside the fold of the religion, and you are no longer Muslim.
Governments may punish for homosexuality, extremists may also, but the religion as a whole does not.
Also, the work that those religious missionaries do is extremely generous. I suppose you think poor people desire mannerful relationships with gays over food? These people are being saved from starvation - death by malnutrition. Also, food distribution is not based on strength of faith, rather, on need. I have no idea where you got that disgusting notion from. There are no "competitions" for food, there is distribution based on necessity.
Do not get extremism confused with religion. If one day, you or I do something horrible, should we blame the human mind for being savage? No, we simply blame the person.
I have no problem with gay people. I do not support anti-gay sentiment, nor am I "out to get you". So don't be offended.
-SS