Peace and tranquility are fast becoming endangered qualities

Aug 17, 2009 Letters

Dear Editor,

It is very strenuous on the tranquil mind to always have a fear that the neighbours’ whim will be to start up their boom sets and fill the airwaves with smut. It is not uncommon to have youths of school age and even older who would feel to play or listen to some songs because their parents pampered them with a big set and they (the parents) are not at home.

This is when the anxiety begins, the volume is outrageous, the songs are most times dirty, and others around in their homes are disturbed, offended and annoyed.

This is a common trend around the country. The folks who know better and appreciate decency and consideration are at a loss in finding a solution to this outrage.

Why can’t music or songs be played at a volume that it does not invade the privacy of others in their homes? Isn’t this a form of invasion of privacy which should carry a fine?

Should we not be considerate of others when we blare our music for our enjoyment but do not think of the discomfort of our neighbours?

While we cannot prevent the use of modern gadgets which entice the minds and pockets, we can at least ensure that their uses are not abused at the expense of what is the decent thing to do.

It is good that our country is trying to catch up with the outside world in other areas such as legislation against TIP, legislation on issues of domestic violence, rights of the child and corporal punishment among others. We also need to have proper legislation against this kind of disturbance of the peace, and the banning of monster boxes that pass as entertainment apparatus.

Long ago people were punished for corrupting the minds of others through books (Some books were banned), and even music.

Today, most minds are already corrupted .What we can legislate is not against corruption, but against the disturbance through inconsiderate noise. We have to be careful that freedom we enjoy must not hinder others freedom; our freedom must not erode others’ freedom.

Guyanese citizen