Malaysia: crackdown

[metu]

I've been reading some articles about the government and the society of Malaysia cracking down on metal, specifically black metal, and the occult. It seems so very similar to things that have happened in the US and Europe. The kids feel the need to rebel against the rigid rules of their society. They find an outlet for their frustration in a radical type of music. For a few, this music helps lead them to a more extreme sort of rebellion. Some even start to worship Satan. Most listeners, of course, just want to let off some steam and enjoy the musical expression. Still, the society freaks out and the press feeds the fire as worried parents get swept up in the frenzy.

I've, also, read that Egypt went through a very similar thing a little over three years ago. The whole thing calmed down without too much serious damage being done. The only long-term victim in that whole mess was the music.

I figured that I would post links to these articles and try to get a discussion going.

Malaysia curbs heavy metal music
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1473198.stm

No Megadeth For Malaysia
http://www.pollstar.com/news/viewnews.pl?NewsID=1199

The Stuff of Black Metal Cults in Malaysia: (this one gets pretty political)
http://www.rsi.com.sg/en/programmes/asian_journal/2001/08_21.htm

Satanic panic grips Cairo
http://users.cybercity.dk/~ccc44406/smwane/Cairo2.htm

UA Anthropologist Studies ‘Moral Panic’ In Egypt: (this one gets pretty...anthropological)
http://advancement.uark.edu/news/NEWS_ARCHIVES/DEC00/moralpanic.html


What do you think about these articles? How accurately do you think they describe the troubles facing the metal scene in Malaysia? How do you think they reflect the suppression of musical communication, innovation and enlightenment?

 

[hellraw666]

start to worship Satan?? no that not true..all those fake up news just to benefit themself(newspaper)..

 

[red_beef]

The censorship in this country is so ridiculously stupid, I think since I’m no longer living there [for the time being].

 

[metu]

Yep. It's the way it always goes. Some freaks do something radical and the community gets whipped up into a frenzy. The parents get afraid and the news buisinesses get the profits. It's the old concept of "yellow journalism." The idea is that all you have to do is shock people into buying your magazine.

It really sucks that music is the victim in this case.

How is the Malasian metal scene dealing with it?

 

[red_beef]

Silence?

I do think that is the best way, since its best not to provoke the government and media about the scene. Well, if people have right, in this country people with fat wallet “have” right. You won’t really see the freedom of speech here.

Anyway, it this country is willing to let go about 10% of its income for the past year, well, be my guess.

 

[Suicide]

.... Sigh ... this is so pathetic ... I really don't understand how they can link metal to Satan worship.

This is just about as absurd as hypocricy, times like this, I really wonder if there is such a thing as free will back home.

 

[metu]

I think that silence is the best policy. It's very temting to argue your point of view, but when less noise is made, the press will move to another topic. Maybe video games. Hopefully the economy.

This will pass, eventually. The problem is that the only long term victim will be the music scene.

Maybe I shouldn't have saved this one for last. I think it's the best. It hits the nail on the head.

UA Anthropologist Studies ‘Moral Panic’ In Egypt: //advancement.uark.edu/news/NE...moralpanic.html

 

[metu]

Ok. That's for handling the press. How are the shows? Are their police all around? Can you do what you want?

 

[metu]

Good luck with the new reign.

some band links

http://members.tripod.com/~devourment/langsuir.html

http://members.tripod.com/~naluwmanrup/index.html

http://www.sautsalastor.cjb.net/