the song “Don’t let the gago sing”popularized in the field of salsa and the christmas music Puerto Rican by artists like Victor Manuelleis a paradigmatic example of how cultural expressions, rooted in tradition and local humor, can be the subject of controversy in a world increasingly aware of inclusive language. Although for many it is a festive and humorous topic, for others, especially for the Puerto Rican Stuttering Alliancethe lyrics contain stigmatizing lyrics that perpetuate stereotypes towards people with speech disorders.
In interview with the program “Direct & unfiltered” of ABC Puerto Ricothe director of the Puerto Rican Stuttering and Stuttering Alliance (APPTA)the Dr. Edna J. Carlospoke about the song by the Elizabethan singer, where the actor also participates Jasond Calderon with the role of the stutterer.
“Would you make fun of a person with mobility difficulties? Would you laugh at a person with cognitive problems? Would you use your platforms to ‘innocently’ make others laugh at the difficulties of a human being who does not have the same platform or the resources to defend themselves?” Carlo began.
“Don’t let the gago sing,” according to the director, it is “a cultural setback that reinforces precisely the discriminatory behaviors that we are working hard to eradicate. It sends the message that it is okay to mock, it is okay to exclude, and it is okay to prefer silence or evasion over authenticity.”
The community of people with stuttering and their advocates, likewise, called for reflection on the use of language on public platforms and in music. Together, they demanded that the painful stigmas associated with their condition be avoided.
Carlo, likewise, explained that stuttering is a condition that cannot be cured, but can be managed. So far, Víctor Manuelle, who presented the song as a “happy and humorous” song, has not expressed himself about the controversy.
1 / 11 | This is how the emotional tenth edition of “Walk for your hero” was experienced with Víctor Manuelle. A decade after its completion, the De Frente al Alzheimer Foundation carried out this edition with great success, held for the second consecutive year at the José “Buga” Abreu Coliseum in Isabela. – Supplied
