Killer Karaoke

What does it say about a society that has a series of killings grouped around people who sing the Sinatra standard "My Way" out of tune? It's true unfortunately. This weird situation exists in the Philippines where a number of people have been killed in fights over poor renditions of the song. Authorities seem to blame it on a cultural bias where the people pride themselves on being good singers. Talk about a poor stereotype. But then if you read the full story, you find that you will find karaoke machines in back alleys and other weird places, reflecting the how the craze has affected the people. Kind of hard to swallow, but is there a better option? New York Times (Feb 7, 2010) - ... The authorities do not know exactly how many people have been killed warbling “My Way” in karaoke bars over the years in the Philippines, or how many fatal fights it has fueled. But the news media have recorded at least half a dozen victims in the past decade and includes them in a subcategory of crime dubbed the “My Way Killings.” The killings have produced urban legends about the song and left Filipinos groping for answers. Are the killings the natural byproduct of the country’s culture of violence drinking and machismo? Or is there something inherently sinister in the song? Whatever the reason, many karaoke bars have removed the song from their playbooks. And the country’s many Sinatra lovers, like Mr. Gregorio here in this city in the southernmost Philippines, are practicing self-censorship out of perceived self-preservation ... Read the full story here... Bil An Outraged Dad