Dancehall

Should Vybz Kartel’s Book Be Taught In Jamaican Schools?

Is Vybz Kartel book fit for Jamaican schools?

That is the question Jamaicans are asking after Dr. Carolyn Cooper penned an interesting article in the Gleaner last month

Carolyn Cooper is a professor of literary and cultural studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona.

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Last year Vybz Kartel set out on a mission not to entertain, but to disturb readers of his new book The Voice of the Jamaican Ghetto.

Excerpt from book:

“As strange as it may sound, I hope you do not enjoy this book. I hope it disturbs you. I hope after reading you realise there is something wrong with Jamaica that needs to be fixed. I hope you will never look at a ghetto person the same again.”

The Voice of the Jamaican Ghetto, which was co-authored by Michael Dawson, was released last year while Vybz Kartel was behind bars. Like everything Vybz Kartel does, the book did stirred up a lot of controversy.

Vybz Kartel book cover artwork

Vybz Kartel spoke in dept on the many social and political issues affecting Jamaica. Still many cynics are questioning whether or not the book was authored by the self proclaim Worl’Boss.

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There is no doubt Vybz Kartel is one of the most lyrically acclaim deejays in dancehall history and his book delves deeper into the deejay’s intellect.

Dr. Carolyn Cooper is taking it a step further by suggesting that The Voice of the Jamaican Ghetto be taught in Jamaican schools as part of the social studies program.

“The Voice of the Jamaican Ghetto should be read in and out of school,” Dr. Carolyn Cooper wrote. “It ought to be on the CXC social studies syllabus. It raises complex issues of social justice in an accessible way. This book will engage the attention of every student, from Campion College to Gaza Secondary.”

Dr. Cooper also calls for a fair trial for Vybz Kartel.

Despite her bold statement, manay Jamaicans are still skeptical about having their kids reading Vybz Kartel book, given his controversial track record.

Skin bleaching, murder charge, overly explicit and demonic lyrics are some of the issues raised by many Jamaicans who weighed in on Urban Islandz Facebook and Twitter page.

Vybz Kartel still holds a large fan base in dancehall and they are making their voices be hear on the issue.

“A lot to learn from this book it was a very interesting read. I encourage everyone to read this book both young and old,” Chris told us on Twitter.

Do you think Vybz Kartel’s book The Voice of the Jamaican Ghetto should be taught in Jamaican school?

Sound off below.

12 Comments

  1. I think that this book should be taught in schools because children will gravitate to this book as it is written from a popular jamaican dancehall artist so children will be interested into reading it and showing and motivating them abt how life and society is today.

  2. definately t shd be red if it has a message dats useful to d pple.

  3. if the book has positive lessons and it exposes the hidden truth of the people of Jamaica, then let it be taught.

  4. Bernard Fednel

    nope

  5. I HAVEN’T READ IT AS YET , BUT IF IT HAS POSTIVNESS AND THE TRUTH IN IT REGARDLESS OF HIS LIFE STYLE…THEN IT SHOULD BE TAUGHT IN SCHOOL..AND AT THE SAME TIME HE WILL REALIZE HOW POWERFUL WORDS ARE AND WILL CHANGE HIS WAYS OF BLEACHING , AND LET THE YOUTHS KNOW THAT BLACK IS BEAUTY….REMEMBER THE SAYING,” TALL DARK AND HANDSOME”.

  6. It should be taught its an uplifting book which enables the society to view the ghetto people from another angle.

  7. HUMAN BEING THAT SUPPORT THE POOR PEOPLE WITHB LOVE, PEACE, POSTIVE MIND. SHOULD SPEAK ABOUT IN SCHOOL TO EDUCATE THE YOUTH THE FUTURE OF THIS PLANET. HUMAN BEING THAT GOT A GIFT FROM THE CREATOR TO EDUCATE THE POOR IS A MESSAGER OF THE CREATOR. CREATOR USE ANY HUMAN BEING TO HELP GOD CREATION. BLESSING

  8. Well written article. Vybz Kartel book should to taught in schools and every Jamaican should read this book. don’t judge it by the cover.

  9. Kemar Mcknight

    it should it should it shoulllllllddddddddddddd big up yu self kartel.

  10. until we learn as nation to respect the acceptance of someone trying to do right after being wrong and learn to foregive, for all have sin in some way shape or form….I think he made a good choice by writing this book, give him a chance and see what he would do with it this time, Jamaica, the world and dancehall is waiting on him so hurry time is ticking give him back to the people let them choose, yes for me.

  11. true that just let the book inna di xuls.