Vybz Kartel’s popularity among the younger generation is not fading anytime soon.
Dr. Donna Hope, of The University of the West Indies (UWI), has refuted claims of the Children’s Advocate.
According to Dr. Hope, Children’s Advocate Diahann Gordon Harrison’s findings of Vybz Kartel being a contributor to juvenile delinquency is unfounded.
The lecturer says Vybz Kartel is not only popular among wayward juveniles, but “a favorite among young all people.”
“I did my own research around that discussion in 2009-2010 and Vybz Kartel at that time was the most favorite artiste among young people, both children who were in problems as well as children who were not,” Dr. Hope said in a Sunday Gleaner article.
“So he was the favorite artiste, full stop. Because we gave them a list of other people – role models, like teachers, pastors, parents … the different groupings who are a part of the socialization networks in the country,” she added.
Dr. Hope’s comments follow claims by Gordon Harrison that Vybz Kartel was the chief cause of juvenile delinquency. Harrison claims children who were either charged with criminal offenses listed Vybz Kartel was their “undisputed role model.”
However, Dr. Hope says young people overall look up to the deejay as an inspiration, not just wrongdoers.
“A lot of young people are very attracted to careers in the music industry, because it looks not just sexy and popular, but also rich,” and young people have a tendency to gravitate to people who are popular.”
Last week Vybz Kartel also clapped back at Gordon Harrison’s comments on a lengthy Instagram rant.
