Dear Editor,
Please allow me some space in your newspaper to shed some light on a concern that seemingly bypasses way too many people.
People on the island have been complaining about the lack of morals and values in our youth, and the rising of violence and aggressive behavior in recent months. Many wonder what is causing this or what can be done.
But what can we expect, when, as a community, nobody takes notice of the hidden messages that are in actuality in plain sight!
The many billboards all across the island that have silhouettes of strippers playing on larger-than-life lighted signs around every corner?
The supermarket name signs that have a half naked, bikiniclad woman caressing a bottle of beer, to advertise a drink? What message is this for our young girls, or impressionable boys?
Sex sells. That’s the excuse, anyway.
Then, let’s move on to the casino opposite the WIB bank in Simpson Bay. They decided to ruin the sleep and peace of the unfortunate residents that live right across this monstrosity when they placed huge, super bright screens all around the rim of the casino.
And what are they playing on these huge screens, day and night? A “music” video by a girl group seemingly called “hurricane”. There are 3 girls making sexually suggestive movements all day long, and close up shots of a stripper’s behind in lingerie coming down a stripper’s pole. This is on repeat, all day long. Day and night, for at least 5 months now. I have overheard tourists complaining multiple times about the disgusting images that are being shoved down their children’s throats as they visit the Chinese supermarket.
As if that isn’t enough, they often also play full matches of boxing. Boxing, something that is NOT intended for children to watch, being broadcasted day and night, all hours, on these large, impossible-to-miss screens.
Yet, nobody speaks out. Nobody expresses disgust. A Catholic primary school right around the block, these children have to pass this each and every day! Where is the common sense of those in charge of our island to put a stop to this?
How can we expect our youth to be better, when all we show them at every corner is sexualized content and violent “sports”?
We, as a community, have to do better. Stand up for the children and protect their innocence as best we can.
Concerned citizen
Name withheld at author’s request.
