When I initially wrote my first post I had no idea how deep emotions ran on this campaign, much less how extensive the discussion would have become once other persons got wind of the boycott. Since then I have encountered a host of articles in newspapers, blogs and even videos from persons expressing their views on the move and I must say that I am delighted. Just a simple search of, “Boycott Jamaica” will yield a number of results on Google. Personally, I don’t care whether you agree with the move or not, it doesn’t matter. What matters is the fact that attention is being brought to the issue once again. Essentially the more interest we are able to generate on the Jamaican LGBT Community, the more aware the World becomes of our suffering, and to me that is a step in the right direction.
I agree that Jamaica might not be ready to accept the gay community just yet and I also agree that change will never come in a day, but if no one takes a stand then nothing will ever be accomplished. We have always tired the, “Ask Jamaica approach” and it has never worked, so I think it’s time to implement the, “Force Dem approach”. True change cannot occur without the presence conflict and if it takes an outside organization to cause that conflict then I am all for it. Jamaicans have always been afraid to put a face to Gay and for those that have, it has never ended well. As such Jamaica has never been truly challenged on their archaic views on homosexuality and if Boycott Jamaica is able to apply the pressure on these bigots then I say support it.
Anyway, I leave you with a video I came across on Youtube. I was fleetingly upset with MWJ and the comments on his video for a second but then remembered, ‘Everyone is entitled to their views’ despite how strongly I might disagree.
I agree that Jamaica might not be ready to accept the gay community just yet and I also agree that change will never come in a day, but if no one takes a stand then nothing will ever be accomplished. We have always tired the, “Ask Jamaica approach” and it has never worked, so I think it’s time to implement the, “Force Dem approach”. True change cannot occur without the presence conflict and if it takes an outside organization to cause that conflict then I am all for it. Jamaicans have always been afraid to put a face to Gay and for those that have, it has never ended well. As such Jamaica has never been truly challenged on their archaic views on homosexuality and if Boycott Jamaica is able to apply the pressure on these bigots then I say support it.
Anyway, I leave you with a video I came across on Youtube. I was fleetingly upset with MWJ and the comments on his video for a second but then remembered, ‘Everyone is entitled to their views’ despite how strongly I might disagree.
Posts
How can I thank you for this second post, in support of the boycott Jamaica effort?
ReplyDeleteI am one of the organizers of the boycott and want you to know we are working hard to get the gay bars in San Francisco to pull Myers's and Red Stripe.
Just today we added another bar to our list of those participating.
You are so right in saying the boycott has finally forced many people, in Jamaica and USA, to face the extreme and pervasive homo-hate in the country.
If we hadn't read the new State Dept report, showing more violence and death, like too many other reports, and acted to say, finally, to the tourist, business and political leaders, that gay dollars shouldn't flow to Kingston, this incredible focus on homo-hate down there wouldn't be on so many blogs!
The boycott expands every day and the rum dump at the Stonewall Inn was beautiful.
Check it out:
http://www.boycottjamaica.org/news/exclusive-video-of-historic-jamaican-rum-dump-at-stonewall-inn/ .
Stay and keep blogging, my friend.
~michael
As a gay jamaican man i don't know how i feel about this boycott. Totally agree with you...at least it brings the gay issue somewhat out of the closet...which is always good :)
ReplyDeleteBut at the same time what real connection does Red Stripe have to homophobia? Has Red Stripe publicly supported hate crimes?
If the target is going to be anything with the label "Jamaica" on it...then they might as well kick Jamaica out of the United Nations or close the American embassy in Jamaica.
The only connection that these products have to homophobia is that they are made in Jamaica...is that really a sufficient connection to justify the cost of a boycott in this recession?
Thats just my two cents :)
Clear and valid reasoning kingstonian. As a matter of fact Redstripe has publicly revoke antigay lyrics by deejays at popular events such as Redstripe reggae sumfest. In addition to this is the fact that the broadcasting commission in Jamaica recently enforced laws that prohibit the playing of songs by media outlets which are considered to be descriminatory, sexually distasteful, violent etc. Personally, I have no issues with gay people, and would love to have a conversation of an intellectual nature with any of them. Not all Jamaicans are homophobic, so dont treat us as such. I am particulary disturbed at the stance that you guys are taking, and as mentioned before it will not reach the mass population, especially if you try to force us!!(Jamaicans dont tek chat from no one), so please be rational, and revise your decisions. Irregardless, the larger society really dont care, and believe me it will not have a huge impact anyway. If your website becomes widely known in Jamaica, it would only lead to further hate and homophobia. I am not being biased, I am a Jamaican and I know best.
ReplyDelete