Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to the letter to the editor dated 23rd March 2012 regarding the condemnation of songs containing foul language. The writer tries to demean these songs by claiming they have a deleterious influence on society. However, the accusation is invalid and I beg everyone not to be biased against songs containing foul language.
First of all, the right to freedom of speech is the bedrock of our society. Every Hong Kong citizen is entitled to enjoy it, not excluding singers of ‘vulgar’ songs. Those singers justifiably express their ideas without threatening others’ freedom, and their freedom of speech should not be deprived of irrationally.
So why are critics of these songs so unreasonable? It is because they fail to share the fine sentiments of the singers. Many seemingly “poisonous” songs are imbued with strong emotions like resentment, desperation and disappointment towards society. Such feelings are conveyed through a means full of unique local flavour – foul language. What deserves emphasis is the message of a song but not its presentation. The value of a song should never be judged by the way it is delivered, but by its meaning. Yet, prejudice against foul language can blind people to the invaluable song messages.
While people against songs containing foul language underestimate their educational value, they meanwhile overestimate their so called “negative” influence on society. In their eyes the significance of those songs is just so minimal that the songs can be brushed aside. Thanks to the public’s stinging denunciation, ‘vulgar’ songs are always disadvantaged and are on the verge of extinction. This culture has hardly got any space to live. Indeed, compared to these songs, the smoggy skies, stifling air and simmering summer are much more intimidating. People discussing them are therefore much fewer and less enthusiastic.
I would like to reiterate I do not advocate the use of foul language. Nonetheless, I desperately long to safeguard democracy. Democracy is not a mere political system. It is also the essence of a lifestyle that respects differences and deviance. The belief of a majority should by no means strangle other beliefs that are less prevalent. But now, it is as if critics are hurling insults at the endangered sub-culture and dying to reduce it to ashes. Should all of us succumb to public pressure and jump on the same mainstream bandwagon? Certainly not.
Hong Kong is renowned not only because it is a rich cosmopolitan city but also because of the freedom it allows. Once our city is ruled by irrational critics demanding to eradicate sub-cultures, its radiance is destined to fade. Only by redressing the cultural imperialism can the freedom of speech, and hence its splendour, be fully protected.
Yours faithfully,
Chris Wong