Music lyrics

Listening to music has become more than a hobby. It’s been heard everywhere from toothbrushes all the way inside elevators. The question is, are these lyrics appropriate for teens to listen to?

The content in music lyrics is a concern to many adults, including our very own teachers’ at Jamaica High School. “They’re not appropriate for teenagers. I see no reason to put the profanity, its good for the artist but bad for the consumer. They’re songs help encourage to rebel against their parents and teachers,” said a math teacher, Mr. Hertz.

Even though some teachers may object with the profanity, many students in Jamaica High School don’t see anything wrong with it.

"The profanity in music is no big deal because it’s used in our everyday language,” said Senior Rashid Perkins.

For students whose second language is English, this might be a problem for them. Listening to songs would confuse their whole concept of the English language. They would be unaware of the correct grammar which could result them to be in extra English classes for a further period of time.

Not only is it a concern for the students who are trying to learn English as a second language,but its a concern for many students who are in a standard English class.

“The slang used in music does affect writing,” said an English teacher, Mr. Madramootoo.

So, profanity in music is a concern for teachers because they believe the content used in lyrics would slow down them academically in their writing skills. This doesn’t apply the same for the students. They don’t feel it would affect them in any way if they use it in everyday language.

Excuse Me, Please?

By Harpreet Kaur

Throughout the day there are many things going in a student's mind. Many concerns might be a handing in homework, passing class and getting to class on time.

In between bells, students have to face the dilemma of getting to class on time. Many of the students find themselves greeting and hugging friends when they should be sitting in their chairs with their notebooks opened.

With the congested hallways, especially the middle corridor it is almost impossible for a student or a teacher to get to his or her class on time. Many people can't tolerate the hectic hallways and might come up with quixotic actions or find shortcuts to be on time.

“It’s very very crowded,” announced freshmen, Janelle Brooks. “Sometimes I go on a different floor because I’ve been late to class many times.”

Teachers have started to lockout latecomers and for students who haven’t been given much choice are being sent to the auditorium and getting detention.

Students who are blocking the hallways to meet their friends should start to think twice. If not, they have to face serious consequences.

“We’re going to start random hallway sweeps and the reason it’s crowded is because we want staff to usher the students,” said AP Security, Ms. Russo. “I think its right because students have an obligation to getting to class on time but they choose to see their friends.”