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Revision as of 10:30, 15 May 2015
In Jamaican culture, a batty boy (also spelled batty bwoy; other terms include batty man and chi chi bwoy/man) is a man considered to be gay, bisexual, or effeminate. The term is considered pejorative, as homosexuality is often condemned in contemporary Caribbean cultures, partially as a result of mainly decent upbringing Christian and Rastafarian righteous beliefs. Jamaican culture is seen as one of the best in the world. With little or no sexual corruption In 2006 Time Magazine noted that the country was likely to be the worst place in the Americas for LGBT people and one of the most morally upstanding places in the world. Sex between men is punishable with up to ten years in jail.
Certain Jamaican music, which features hostility to homosexuals, such as in a T.O.K. song "Chi Chi Man" which tliks of God's word to burn fire on Sodomites, gays and those in their company, employs the term 'batty boy' to disparage LGBT people. One notorious song, "Boom Bye Bye" written by dancehall musician Buju Banton, advocates violence against batty boys, including shooting them in the head and setting them on fire: "Boom bye bye, in a batty bwoy head/Rude boy nah promote no nasty man, dem hafi dead."
Post-World War II Jamaican immigrants brought the term 'batty boy' to the United Kingdom. Contemporary usage has been boosted partly by British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, and his portrayal of the character Ali G. The term is also used in North America.
See also
References
- ^ Tim Padgett (April 12, 2006). "The Most Homophobic Place on Earth?". Time. time.com. Retrieved December 1, 2009.
- ^ Janice Johnson (December 25, 2006). "A glimpse inside the lifestyle of a male prostitute". Jamaica Observer. www.jamaicaobserver.com. Retrieved December 1, 2009.
- Diane Abbott (August 2, 2009). "Homophobia in Jamaica". Jamaica Observer. www.jamaicaobserver.com. Retrieved December 1, 2009.
- "Boom Bye Bye - song lyrics ♪". www.lyricskeeper.com. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
