I am all for freedom of expression; however, I will not stand beside anyone who thinks that music containing lyrics that glorify violence and criminal lifestyles is nothing to worry about. 

If we can advocate for the ban on pornographic content, why not also use the same enthusiasm to abolish music that promotes violence?

Children, teenagers, and the youth in general constitute the biggest percentage of the followers of such music; hence, they are easily corrupted. 

When they watch these videos, these youngsters think it’s a ‘cool’ lifestyle. They start carrying knives and other dangerous objects, and walking around in gangs. Kids today want the kind of life they see in these music videos; hot girls in bikinis chilling in a pool, alcohol everywhere and a mansion with enough guns to start a museum.

Have we ever cared to ask why there are so many young boys walking around with sagging pants? Do we know the genesis of the trend?  

I once overheard my two nephews (one is 13 years old and the other 12) having an argument with one claiming that the sagging pants trend was first introduced by Justin Bieber, while the other argued it was Chris Brown. 

They were on the verge of fighting until I stepped in and informed them that they were both wrong. Convincing them that the trend existed long before those two artistes was like appearing before parliament to lobby for the legalisation of narcotic drugs usage. 

The scenario enlightened me on how much movies and music videos influence the youth.  It made me realise that their argument was not only about the trend, it was more about the artiste each of them loved. These nephews of mine look up to these stars; and when you have Justin Bieber who was caught on camera telling a racist joke, and Chris Brown who beats women like he is killing a snake, only divine intervention can help.

While growing up, we were taught that fighting is unacceptable at whatever cost. We were even asked to hug a friend after a fight to make peace but some lyrics justify fighting as a way of survival. 

Therefore to promote peace and tolerance in our society, most especially for the sake of the future generation, there should be a ban on music containing lyrics that promote violence.