Daggering

'Daggering’ is a form of dance originating from the Caribbean which incorporates sexual and other forms of frantic movement.^[1]

History

The activity of 'daggering' has been present in Jamaica's dancehalls for many years, but just recently accepted the name of 'daggering'. Some argue that it's roughly the equivalent of the Caribbean’s 'cabin stabbing', another style of music and dance.^[2] Mojo (magazine) journalist and reggae historian David Katz attributes the recently gained popularity of 'daggering' to a series of Dance Hall music videos and artists that promoted the act of 'daggering'. Later on, controversial YouTube videos of people performing daggering would spread the trend worldwide.

Daggering music

Daggering is performed on Dancehall-music, although some artists have specifically created 'daggering' music:

• Mr. Vegas
• Aidonia
• Spice
• Bragga Dat
• RDX
• Major Lazer

Controversy

The spiraling popularity of “daggering” has led the Jamaican government to take an unprecedented step of an all-out radio and TV ban on songs and videos with blatantly sexual content.^[3] The Jamaican Broadcast Commission defines daggering as "a colloquial term or phrase used in dancehall culture as a reference to hardcore sex or what is popularly referred to as 'dry' sex, or the activities of persons engaged in the public simulation of various sexual acts and positions."^[4] Therefore, "There shall not be transmitted, any recording, live song, or music video which promotes the act of 'daggering' or which makes reference to, or is otherwise suggestive of 'daggering'."

Also Jamaican doctors have warned of the dangers of daggering, after having many cases of damaged penis tissue over the last year. The condition can result in permanent damage, and therefore must be taken seriously.^[5][6] Jamaican doctors assert that those trying to replicate the powerful moves of daggering in the bedroom can end up with dramatic injuries. They say the incidents of broken penises have increased in the past year according to an article in the Jamaican Star.^[7] The community is divided over the dance, with singers up in arms over the ban, saying it stifles their right to free speech and diversity. Andrei Laskatelev argues that in social history numerous dances have been banned (the belly dance, the tango, the waltz etc.) and that it's just a matter of time, before the ban on 'daggering' will also be offset.^[8]

References

1. ^ Yin&Yang Oxford definition of daggering
2. ^ Matadornetwork Daggering in Jamaica: A dance craze too far?
3. ^ No rough sex please, we're Jamaican by David Katz
4. ^ Jamaican Star Censoring Daggering
5. ^ The Sun Daggering sex alert for blokes
6. ^ Jezebel Daggering trend is breaking Jamaican dicks - by Katy Kelleher
7. ^ [1], Really Really Dirty Dancing, More on Daggering - Kate Dailey
8. ^ This is Diversity The daggers most wanted in Jamaica - by Andrei Laskatelev