Although far removed from the type of horrific man-made disasters occurring in other parts of the world, the people of Nevis and St. Kitts are currently existing in a situation which is already unbearable for some of its residents, and may if unchecked, lead to disastrous consequences for a great many more in the not too distant future.
It is a well known fact that consistent exposure to over-amplified music and other loud noises, can cause serious medical problems for many people. Studies done at various institutions around the globe have produced documented proof of the harmful effects that loud music has had on various individuals. Because of the growing spread of the boom-box mania in our area, it has become clearer than ever that we are living in perilous times.
It is also true of course, that despite the known risks, many people worldwide are drawn to the excitement of the boom-box culture and find great pleasure in it. Granted, there will always be those who will satisfy whatever cravings they have regardless of any risk; thus we will always have our dope addicts, our alcoholics, our cigarette smokers, and our deviants of other natures. But at least the alcoholics and drug addicts are not openly forcing their habits on the rest of us. At least they have that much decency.
Cigarette smokers too, will in most cases these days, either stub out the cigarette if it offends you, or smoke in an area that doesn’t offend anybody. Most cigarette smokers recognise that scientific studies have proven that “second-hand” cigarette smoke can seriously harm non-smokers. But few if any boom-box lovers, are able to understand the harm they may be causing others within range of their noisy instruments, who don’t love and can’t stand the “second-hand” effects of over-amplified music. And therein lies the peril.
The boom-box lovers seem to get some kind of thrill, or maybe a narcotic-like “high” from the loudness and the booming bass tones. Maybe they experience similar thrills as tight-rope walkers, sky-divers, bungee-jumpers, or cliff-climbers, who all risk life and limb. But those dare-devils only risk their own lives, at their own choice; they don’t force anyone else to do so, although others are free to watch if they care to. Sometimes an accident happens and the dare-devil gets killed or seriously injured, or miraculously survives unscathed. The onlookers react accordingly, with shock and grief, or relief.
Few though, are ever left unaffected, even if there is no accident. Being exposed to such tension-inducing spectacles cause powerful reactions in the body; adrenaline flow and the heart-rate is increased, breathing is affected as are the mental processes and emotional state. The incident may be embedded in the memory for a long time, and play some part in how an individual responds to certain stimuli. But the body and the brain react to peril in different ways in different people. Some crave the excitement and want more and more of it. Some may find no pleasure in these events and simply be turned off. And others still, may exhibit reactions ranging from mild irritation to severe trauma. But it is one thing when a person chooses to put himself in peril, and quite another if the peril is forced on him against his will, the way the uncaring boom-box operators are doing.
Modern scientific research has shown that all living things are negatively affected by loud sounds. Both animal and plant life reveal signs of distress when exposed to loud music or other noises. Conversely, when soft, soothing, melodic music is played, they react with healthy bloom and contentment. Even sea life is known to be similarly affected: The following excerpt is taken from an editorial in The Washington Post, January 29, 2008:
The Navy began exercises off California to train sailors in the use of mid-frequency active sonar, which emits high-intensity underwater blasts of sound. But the California waters are home to several endangered species including whales, which can suffer permanent injury or death from the sonar. The National Resources Defence Council sued last year in Federal Court to stop the training exercises unless the Navy adopted mitigation measures to prevent harm to marine life.
The people of Nevis and St. Kitts and the authorities need to recognise the fact that by allowing the prevalence of loud music and other noises to continue, the population will continually be imperilled by a host of ills, many of which can be avoided. I at least, can channel some of my anger, annoyance, distress and frustration into the writing of newspaper commentaries, or discussion of the issue on the radio.
But what about others who may be bedridden, or fearful of some sort of retaliation if they complain. Is it right that they be forced to suffer in silence? This issue is too big and the stakes too high. It is high time that we do something about it. No one in this country should continue to ignore it. If we do, it will be at our own peril.
I am willing to do more than just moan, groan, and talk about it. If you are willing to join me in an anti-noise campaign, call 469-1424 or 765-3559 and ask for Amba Trott.
