New dancehall controversy? Not really.

Journalist, Bruno Gaston wrote an article about Travel Channel host Anthony Bourdain’s comments concerning dancehall music on an episode of his Emmy Award winning show “No Reservations”

According to Gaston’s Article “Bourdain referred to women as "b***ches" when describing dancehall music in the Jamaican-themed episode of the show.”. Here is the exact quote from the show "There's no rootsy, laid back Rasta vibe. This ain't about standing up for your rights or praising Jah or anything like that. Like Reggaeton, it’s mutant cousin, dancehall is the hardcore beat behind lyrics concerning, for the most part: acquiring possessions, getting respect on the street, beating down perceived enemies and enjoying the physical charms of varied, if not multitudinous, b***ches."

And therein lies the controversy; some people are offended by his comments. But no, really should we even take offence??? I mean how long have dancehall artists been telling society that it is ok to call women bitches???? Sure they might use another word, skettel, or gyal even It’s the same thing. I’m not saying what the guy said is right (it was definitely inappropriate) but like Nadine Sutherland who was quoted in the article, says misogyny has been allowed for too long in dancehall for her to be angry at him.

Are we mad because some white guy said it, or are we really offended by the culture he is describing.

In the article radio host Jason Walker cites artists like Tarrus Riley and Etana as artists who uplift women in their songs. Yes they do but the article was not talking about them. The list of artists who use “derogatory” terms to women are many Mavado, Assasin, Bounty Killa, Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man, Elephant Man even Buju but those same singers use Uplifting terms too like when they sing about their Mamas. I put derogatory in quotes because some including women see the word bitch as actually empowering (kinda like the ni**a argument).

All in all there is a lot of gray area…. My advice, if that type of music offends you don’t listen to it. Here is another clip from the episode.