Merengue music, known for its lively beats and captivating melodies, holds a special place in the cultural heartland of Latin America, especially in its birthplace, which is also my birthplace, the Dominican Republic. Its ability to get people on their feet is undeniable. Still, an underlying issue often goes unnoticed: the portrayal of relationships between young school-aged girls and older men in some of its songs.

The heart of the matter lies in the narrative these lyrics weave. I remember growing up on the island and hearing songs about school-age girls who would get picked up from school and fall in love with grown men. The chorus was catchy, and the beats would make anyone want to move without realizing what they were moving to. The sad part was that these actions didn’t just stay in the song. They happened in real life.

When media, including music, romanticizes relationships between minors and adults, it risks normalizing predatory behavior. Such portrayals, especially without critical context or consequences, can blur the lines between acceptable and harmful, potentially desensitizing audiences to the dangers of these imbalanced dynamics.

Being a young girl in male-heavy spaces was anxiety-ridden for me. Coupled with the responsibility of being polite and greeting with hugs, or else I may risk being talked to and disciplined at home; it never sat well with me. Once, my sister and I ran inside our house when this family friend walked down the street in our direction. We knew his hugs were too long to be normal and we didn’t like it. So we ran before our grandmother could say something about us having no manners. I weaved this into Julitza’s scars in The Devil That Haunts Me because this was an experience I lived.

In a world where art and culture intertwine with daily life, shaping social norms and perceptions, the onus is on both creators and consumers to be vigilant. Advocating for storytelling in music that honors the sanctity of age and consent is crucial, promoting narratives that foster healthy, respectful relationships. Listening to young people’s dislikes also helps mitigate some of the more nefarious consequences that occur when one is found in a predicament where life imitates art.

Opening a dialogue about these concerns is not just beneficial but necessary. Conversations can illuminate the shadows, encouraging a shift in cultural narratives toward the protection and respect of young individuals. As we move our hips to merengue beats, let’s also tune into the responsibility it carries, advocating for a world where music dances hand in hand with respect, dignity, and consent.

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