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Open letter from Rototom Sunsplash - Italy
About Sizzla & Beenieman 16/05/2007 The Rototom Sunsplash has for many years closed its doors to all the artistes and bands whose message can be translated into an incitement to violence against ethnic, sexual or religious minorities. We have always been true to our choice, remaining coherent (how else could we talk about human rights, respect for minorities and peace?!), even when the artistic value of the festival was at risk. While these artistes were all the rage in dancehalls and the alternative music scene, acclaimed and applauded as stars, the Rototom Sunsplash continued to say no to messages inciting violence, death, abuse of those who are “different” not only for race but also for sexual orientation and attitudes. For years our forum was full of objections and even harsh, critical comments by all those who appreciate this type of music and considered our refusal to have them at our festival as a form of censorship. But our choice was clear and we kept to it. We said NO to these artistes then and we still remain convinced of it, because who loves Peace cannot promote intolerant and violent attitudes. The Rototom Sunsplash is universally acknowledged as an oasis of peace, tolerance, brotherhood and respect (and indeed, last year’s watchword was Respect!), a place where “Peace Love and Unity” is not merely a slogan but a creed and lifestyle. Now we receive this mail by these two artistes who are the kings of dance hall and indeed of the Jamaican music scene. Two artistes who have an enormous number of fans in their homeland and all over the world. We asked ourselves: what should we do? How should we behave? We believe that these two letters are an extraordinary event. A great opportunity for all those who campaign for better reggae in a better world. We are conscious that they can retract everything, and of course we know that these documents will not make homophobic violence magically disappear from Jamaican society. Machismo, religious integralism and fanatism sink their roots in the island’s culture and society and will require many years to die out. But already the availability of two famous and important artistes to sign a clear and explicit document is, in our opinion, an extraordinary event: it is not only a great victory but also an opportunity of dialogue, that we cannot neglect. The campaign of the Rototom and all those who share our beliefs, has created the first cracks in the wall of hate and incomprehension. It is a first and important step forward to put a stop to this odious and unacceptable situation. As the organisers of a festival, we are in no position to criticise or doubt the truth of such a document: we are not “policemen” and we do not like to play the role of inquisitors. Our task is to give a contribution, even if small, to build a better world, setting a practical example of tolerance and respect. These two documents state and confirm the fact that we were right to say no, despite all the social, religious and artistic justifications of these artistes. These two letters also say that we have obtained a significant result, and more will follow. An epoch is hopefully now closing, and it would be a crime not to give a chance to whom, with great courage (who knows the Kingston ghetto knows what Sizzla and Beenie man are risking by signing this document. They risk their career and even their life!!!) has taken a first step forward in this direction.
Vedi anche: http://www.rototomsunsplash.com Spedisci questa pagina / Send this page / Envíar este pagina 
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