American TV Host Stirs up Controversy about Women and Dancehall Music

Anthony Bourdain of the Emmy nominated Travel Channel series, "No Reservations" has stirred up controversy with remarks he made about women and dancehall, on the Jamaican themed episode of his show.

"There's no rootsy, laid back Rasta vibe," he says. "This ain't about standing up for your rights or praising Jah or anything like that. Like Reggaeton, its 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 bitches."

Asked how she felt about Bourdain's statement, veteran dancehall reggae artiste, Nadine Sutherland says that she was offended but not angry at him as "...that is what is being perpetuated (by our music) so why is it a foreigner can't do it?"

Stahhr says that female artistes such as Lady Saw and Sasha use derogatory terms in their music when referring to other females. Sutherland has also acknowledged that demeaning terms such as 'sketel' and 'gyal' which is similar in meaning to bitch are used in dancehall music. Stahhr also says, "I guess its like the N-word ...some women feel the entiltlement to use it on each other."