Why don't star boys marry?
Published:Thursday | May 12, 2011 | 12:00 AM
IN THE month of May, many Jamaicans focus on family issues and the welfare of children, and today, we explore why star boys will not marry. The term 'star boy' comes from Mavado's song titled Star Bwoy.
According to Mavado, a star boy is one which "Di gal dem waan", and other boys' girlfriends want him. In addition, "nuh gal cyaan use we", but apparently the star boy will use girls Star Bwoy is a 'stulla' being able to perform sexually and "get di Oscar".
For me, star boy is the equivalent to a poster boy, a leading figure, a role model who has influence on the young and, hence, influences the values and attitudes of the nation.
In 1978, Bob Marley invited Prime Minister Michael Manley and his bitter rival and leader of the opposition party, Edward Seaga, on stage to shake hands at the One Love Peace Concert. This was an attempt to bridge the political and ideological divide.
Marley a hero
Marley was later awarded the Peace Medal of the Third World by the United Nations for his efforts to secure political harmony in Jamaica.
In addition, Beenie Man is married to D'Angel, Kartel was/is married, and Gregory Isaacs was married.
Not so with our star girls. Shelly-Ann Fraser, world and Olympic champion at 100m, earlier this year got married to Jason Pryce. The most decorated Jamaican Olympian, Veronica Campbell, is married to Omar Brown. Brigitte Foster, world champion at 100m hurdles, is married to Patrick Hylton.
Why then does there appear to be a reluctance to marry by our male stars? There is a trend nowadays where international cricketers travel with their wives and will also leave a tour to be at the bedside of their wives for the birth of their babies, but have you ever heard that about a Jamaican cricketer?
Marriage not attractive
It seems that marriage is not popular and attractive as a model for family life. It is no big deal to make a public commitment of love to an exclusive relationship.
In addition, the bond between mother and star boys tends to be strong, but it is not translated into a desire to get married and form their own family nests. Is there a fear that women will manipulate the stars? Is there a trust factor? Is there also a fear of commitment to a partner for life?
There needs to be a discussion on family life among our stars, and an encouragement to marry and a commitment to marriage. It needs to be affirmed that the complementarity of the male-female relationship in a public commitment is the preferred mode of sexual conduct, as well as for the rearing of children.