Heavy metal in Muslim majority countries
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Heavy metal music, a general term encompassing a variety of musical genres, is popular or at least accepted in most parts of the world. However, in some countries the lifestyle associated with heavy metal music is viewed as detrimental to society.
[edit] Black metal controversy in Malaysia
In Malaysia, the government blames black metal music for a number of social problems, such as anti-social behaviour. The government believes the music causes teens to become disrespectful to parents and elderly, as well as lowering their respect for religion. The music was also deemed to be responsible for crime-related cases such as gang fights. As a result, the government has announced that it will ban black metal, and bands who wish to perform in Malaysia have to submit videotapes of their concerts before receiving approval.
Malaysia made news in 2000 and 2001 after public officials announced several arrests of "Black Metal cult members", in whose houses were found desecrated Korans and anti-religious material. Reports also surfaced of strip-searches conducted in public schools of children suspected of being involved in black metal. Children were also given a "herbal cure", a concentration-enhancing substance, to lift their minds off anti-religious ideas and to help them focus on their studies. Those actions were supported and partially lead by the Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir.
[edit] References
- ^ Brian Whitaker, "Middle East dispatch: Highway to hell", The Guardian, June 2, 2003 Online version
- ^ "Malaysia curbs heavy metal music", BBC News, 4 August, 2001. Online version
- ^ "Herbal cure for Malaysian metal fans", BBC News, 13 August, 2001. Online version
