Tuesday, August 7 2012

THE EDITOR: I agree with a “Letter to the Editor” in your newspaper of Friday August 3, that “Nicki Minaj showcased TT well.” I also read that the video received 1.3 million views in just one day. How many of those viewers were children? In Trinidad and Tobago, our laws define children as anyone 18 years and under. I looked at the video and I’m convinced that the video is too explicit. The writer of the letter says “the gyrating bodies — encompassing what the world knows too well, that sex indeed sells a product.”

In a discussion with my niece Aanya, my consultant on youth affairs and just out of “childhood,” she was very clear, and I quote: “I find the video to be misleading about the true essence of Carnival. It is just showcasing what Carnival has become, ie beads, feathers, thongs and excessive and unnecessary nudity. I saw that they “chook” in pieces of the violent fire- breathers and jambolassies. I guess they only thought to put in the characters that were appealing and conducive to the name of the song. It was a little on the raunchy side with a lot of grinding and gyrations.

It ideally should be censored and deserves an 18 plus rating because when children and teenagers see the portrayal they will definitely want to follow suit because they look up to Nicki Minaj as a representative for this generation. I do not think that they are ready to be exposed to such nudity and provocative behaviour yet.”

Dear parents, please look at this video and decide if you want to talk to your children about its sexual nature. Let them know that Nicki Minaj is a performer. She is looking for anything that will make her a sensation. Know that children are sexual beings and have a sexual nature that they must learn to control. They also have a human nature and a divine nature, which will help them to control their sexual nature. They must also learn to say “no” to anyone who makes sexual advances. Too many children are sexually abused by older male cousins, uncles, fathers, and neighbours after being exposed to pornographic material. They lose control and take advantage of the innocent, unknowing children in their immediate environment.

We must stop paying only lip service to wanting the best for our children and being their protectors. Let us get serious. Censorship is imperative at this time in our country’s history.

ANNA MARIA MORA

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