Dancehall: Human Sexuality and Oral Sex

Yes! Dancehall has negative effects on youths in Jamaica. “Studies have shown that graphical lyrical music can impact adolescent sexual and violent behavior” (Crawford 2010). Dancehall music tends to contain explicit sexual content that continuously encourages violence and promiscuity in adolescents and even adults. This genre of music is a vital part of the Jamaican society economically and culturally but over the years has proven to be more negative than positive. Consequently, skin bleaching and oral sex has become predominantly acceptable for young adults. The practice of bleaching was long before dancehall but skyrocketed when the popular dJ vybz Kartel sang about it, it was promoted using dancehall as a medium. This negative influence can even be proven with the huge sales received from songs encouraging bleaching. The ardent attention received from “bleaching” dancehall songs had almost every school boy and girl toning their faces. Dancehall music can also be seen in the same light as alcohol, very addictive and linked to sexual activities. Oral sex was once said to be an American culture “only”. Now it has become widely accepted in Jamaica. Since popular artiste Kartel and many others encouraged this sexual behavior and praised it in their lyrics both young and old people began embracing it openly. The song “Freaky gyal” hit number 1 on charts which later led to adolescent girls piercing their tongues and men openly displaying their like and acceptance for oral sex. It has been noticed also that when people drink alcohol they tend to want to have sex, just like listening to dancehall music. Many would say they get high off this type of lyrics which mostly contains sexual content. Dancehall music has a way of plaguing the mind. I can attest to that, whenever I listen to dancehall music a certain vibe is felt which puts one in a certain sexual mood. According to an author, “lyrical contents of dancehall genre have the potential to impact the brain, and affect emotional behavior in humans, especially for the young people”. (Crawford 2010)