Kingston, Jamaica (Shuzzr Pr): A year has passed since the self proclaimed “World Boss” Vybz Kartel has been incarcerated. After being blamed by most for leading the Jamaican society on a path of doom, the country still grapples with many social and moral ills.
According to http://www.vybzkartelbook.com; Vybz Kartel has had an indelible effect on the policy and people of the country; forcing the Jamaican government to change broadcasting rules in an effort to curb his influence. The ‘World Boss’ has also been credited with revolutionizing female sexuality by making Jamaican women feel uninhibited. He has also challenged the political status quo by having many in Jamaica paying allegiance to the Gaza (his hometown crew) instead of PNP and JLP.It further states “Adidja Palmer a.k.a Vybz Kartel is perhaps the most mystical personality to come out of Jamaica since Bob Marley; a demigod to some, the living devil to others. In a New York Times article, his marketability was compared to that of Lady Gaga, Madonna and Jay Z. The Rolling Stone Magazine is quoted as saying “look up controversy in the Jamaican dictionary and you might find a photo of Adidjah Palmer, aka dancehall star Vybz Kartel”.
Though being blamed for influencing some of Jamaica’s most heinous crimes. However in his physical absence crime and violence is still high, standard of living for the average Jamaican is still low and societal morals have decayed further.
One would now ask: Was blaming Vybz Kartel for championing a campaign that would lead to the decay in moral and values of the society justifiable?
Martin Luther King Jr once said “A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social upliftment is approaching spiritual doom”. He also stated; “Law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and when they fail in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress”.
Oh how the tables have turned. The same individuals who was protesting to see his career put an end, are now the same set of individuals rallying for his release with many stating that Dancehall isn’t viable without him – these hypocrites.
Sidney Pottier wrote a book titled “The Measure of a Man” but it’s another of Martin King Jr. quotes that state “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy” which truly speaks volume.
With all being said I urge all of us to not burden one man with the ills of the society but rather see how we as individuals can shoulder the burden and make a change. “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals”…”History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people” -Martin Luther King Jr.
Free World Boss!!!!