Study Proposal

Essay title: ‘Funny man fi dead’ How and why does the Reggae sub genre, Dancehall, conform with homophobic values regarding its representation of homosexuals and homosexuality?

Outline of essay: My independent study coursework will look at two main aspects of the media: genre and representation. The representation will cover homosexuals and homosexuality and the genre aspect will cover the Dancehall sub genre within the music genre Reggae. The representation of homosexuals and homosexuality in Dancehall music has caused controversy over the years and is a consistent problem that has lead to police investigation on numerous occasions. Although this has been considered a problem throughout Dancehall music it has been particularly highlighted as a problem with the following artists: Buju Banton, Sizzla, Beenie Man, Elephant Man and Shabba Ranks.

Theory/Theorists: Pathogenic theory ‘gay germ’. Addresses the issue of homosexuality and whether it’s a genetic issue or society influenced.

Other texts: ‘Boom bye bye’ (1992) by Buju Banton
‘Log On’ (2001) by Elephant Man
‘My Crew, My dwags’ (2001) by T.O.K

Media Language: Caribbean slang, patois combined with biblical and established language e.g. ‘bun fire pon’ and ‘sodomite’. Iconography of reggae artists and reggae as a music genre is ‘sex’ and promiscuous behaviour, partying, recreational drugs etc.

Institution: VP and Greensleeves, the two main record labels concerning dancehall music. Outrage, gay rights group. Channel 4, part of a controversial interview on the issue.

Genre: Sub-genre of the wider music genre Reggae. Originated in Jamaica.

Representation: The representation of homosexuals and homosexuality is a very negative one, the genre seems to criminalise and condemn homosexuals and their practises. Also key in the representation of Black people and their values and ideologies. Alfa male representation of black men, strong, sexual characters.

Audience: Dancehall music is targeted at a variety of people, apart from its obvious attraction in the Caribbean it is also extremely popular in Europe e.g. Germany, Sweden etc. It is aimed at both males and females although a lot of the lyrics are of a sexual content.

Ideologies and Values: Homophobia.

Narrative: Songs usually describe some act of violence towards homosexuals and mockery of homosexuals and their practises.

Social: Lack of censorship inflamed the issue, but increase in censorship still did not solve the issue. Banning Dancehall artists from performing in the country. An issue embedded into the black society and the caribbean culture.

Historical: Research implies this issue has been a problem for Black people since the days of slavery. Incidents have been recorded since the early 80’s.

Political: Has been and issue and a discussion point in the houses of parliament.