Ah doh understand why some people must judge cultural icons with moral and ethical standards as oppose to seeing how the event is endemic to the cultural context.
Last updated: 31 March, 2006 - Published 12:23 GMT BBC Caribbean.com
Is Trinidad Carnival vulgar?
Voices are being raised in Trinidad & Tobago about a perceived increase vulgarity in the national carnival. Tony Fraser reported from Port of Spain for BBC Caribbean Magazine ton the fact that one of the voices of concern is that of Prime Minister Patrick Manning.
"Once upon a time carnival was about creative expression that came in the costuming of the masquerade and the calypso and steel band music of the people. If you go back to the origins of the carnival, it was about the gaining of freedom by the African slave and his desire to make a statement about it.
Revealing costumes have taken over on Carnival Tuesday
"However, over the last 25 years, sexy costumes revealing wonderfully endowed young women have taken over the costumed mass on Carnival Tuesday.
"The coming too, of live television coverage of the parade of bands on the stage, has provided a national platform for the women of the mass to display their goods, especially their ability to wine.
"It’s all been part of increased commercialisation in Carnival and demands by women to be free to do as they please about their sexuality.
Bandleaders say masqueraders have demanded skimpy costumes to heighten their enjoyment.
"Over the years, the religious community has screamed against the exposure and the conduct of the women on the stage. There are those who have blamed the television stations for pointing the cameras on the women while the stations have said if they don’t show the wining, there would be nothing else to show.
"Bandleaders and costume designers have said their masqueraders have demanded skimpy costumes to heighten their enjoyment and they have no choice but to satisfy.”
"Now Prime Minister Patrick Manning is to engage with the inter-religious organisation to come up with suggestions to at least curb what they consider vulgar aspects of the masquerade. Head of the religious body, Reverend Cyril Paul says the IRO is anxious to discuss the matter and to find suggestions.
"But one bandleader is scoffing at the suggestions. He wants to know, what is vulgarity? Instead, he says the authorities have to look at the consumption of alcohol and what that does to masqueraders on carnival day.
"In the circumstances, it is not certain how the authorities will seek to curb individual behaviour on carnival days. What is certain is that no one in Trinidad & Tobago can claim that carnival culture has been imported. Soca music and wining is Trini to the bone behaviour."
