June 3, 2021 There is a level of hypocrisy spreading across fertile ground in Barbados. And it is threatening to become worse unless conscience, truth and apolitical reasoning take precedence in most, if not all, of our social interactions. The ruckus over the highly melodic but lyrically repulsive Trojan Riddim Mix video by popular entertainer Ricky Lil Rick Reid that promotes gun violence, is understandable. That others before Mr Reid have rendered similar in local or other jurisdictions does not excuse the content or message of the video, especially in the prevailing crime-ridden environment in the island. Questions have been raised in some quarters as to the artiste’s right to create and perform his craft unhindered. But the wider society has the simultaneous right to show its abhorrence to ‘art’ that demonstrates insensitivity to the loss of human life, promotes the taking of human life and does so in the most profane manner. Some might even query whether legally the video has crossed the line of incitement to commit violent and unlawful acts and has opened up those responsible to possible prosecution. Some of the puerile excuses being circulated to justify the video’s vulgarity showcase just how dangerously this country has slipped.