General

Karaoke spurs killings in Philippines

Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” is especially problematic

In the Philippines, karaoke-goers are killing each other over the song “My Way” by Frank Sinatra, the New York Times reports. While authorities don’t know exactly how many fatal fights have occurred as a result of karaoke, media reports have recorded at least six victims in a decade, spawning a subcategory of crime called “My Way Killings.” Karaoke bars are removing the song from playbooks, and singers are avoiding it as a matter of self-preservation. In karaoke, get-togethers often involve karaoke, and karaoke machines can be found outdoors in rural settings. Filipinos pride themselves on singing, suggesting they may have a lower tolerance for bad singers. Most killings have reportedly occurred when the singer sang out of tune. “The Philippines is a very violent society, so karaoke only triggers what already exists here when certain social rules are broken,” Roland B. Tolentino, a pop culture expert at the University of the Philippines, told the daily, noting that the song’s “triumphalist” nature might contribute to violence.

New York Times

Looking for more?

Get the Best of Maclean's sent straight to your inbox. Sign up for news, commentary and analysis.
  • By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.