Some of the dancehall/reggae music definitely can get as violent and sexist as hip hop can - it's just disguised by patois! I mean, Eek A Mouse and virgin girl? That's only one I can think of. Saying that, you know how much I love reggae.
It's funny we are thinking the same thing about England. As much as we love and miss it, I don't think it's a good island to live on - inflation, cost of living, crime etc. Funny huh?
That photo of you and your parents made me tear up. It's the worst thing about living away from home, missing those you love. My husband finds it so hard, and I'm finding it hard as as much as he wants to move, I don't want to be away from my family, especially with a grandson here now too.
It definitely seems like your relationship with Jamaica is complex. I'm sorry to hear about the crime and the downsides of the place. It's not the only island that's fraught with such things - crikey, imagine living in Haiti!!!!
Yes, the music. The old reggae is lovely and mellow, but the dancehall music is all explicit sex acts with a melodious sound and rhythmic beat.
While living in the Philippines, I'd go to the local Gaisano mall, and upon entering, I would hear some dancehall songs blasting on the radio, explicit ones that are banned from airplay in Jamaica. I would watch the staff rocking to the beat, and then I'd hear an interruption in the music for the mass "Mother Mary..." I would burst out laughing...
Yes, my relationship with Jamaica is complex. I remember exploring the island and thinking to myself, my god! This is the most beautiful place ever. I want to travel the world but never leave Jamaica." Then within a few years of living there, I became realistic, as the fears of leaving my house increased.
I lived in "survival mode" when I was in Jamaica. That's why I'm alive. I don't want to revert to being a "savage" - hardened by my environment.
It pains me to know that my parents will live their final years in a country in that state.