It should have been a genteel afternoon singalong, with an audience of pensioners enjoying some fun, nostalgic tunes. But the well-meaning charity show erupted into a race row when one outraged audience member took umbrage at the inclusion of...The Horst Wessel Song? The Sex Pistol's 'Frigging In The Rigging'? 'Smack My Bitch Up' by The Prodigy?
...the classic music-hall number Camptown Races.
*blinks*
Pianist Sarah Fisher – who was live-streaming her performance via Facebook to help isolated people deal with lockdown – was criticised for her ‘inappropriate’ choice of a song that dates from the era of ‘blackface’ minstrel shows and is famous of its ‘doo-dah doo-dah’ refrain.
Is 'doo-dah doo-dah' another thing you're not supposed to say unless you're black, then?
While most of those watching were eager to type messages of thanks during the show, one of them – former BBC journalist Mary Stretch – was less pleased.
How did I know it'd be a BBC drone?
Actually, we probably could have suspected given the high-handed manner in which she expressed her displeasure...
Soon a war of words was raging between Mrs Stretch, 66, and others who had tuned in. ‘Get a life,’ one audience member shot back. ‘A song is a song, nothing more. If you don’t like it switch off.’
But Mrs Stretch was adamant. ‘No, it isn’t just a song,’ she countered. ‘I know you think they are fun but there are issues.’
Only for you, love.
‘I don’t blame Sarah at all for spontaneously picking it up and singing it in all innocence. But I hope from now on, because of what I have said, she and you won’t in the future. You might like to also consider why you should be comfortable, and demand the right to be so, when I am patently not.’
Because it's not all about you. And if you were the only one who had a problem, maybe you're the one in the wrong?
Although most of the audience had apparently enjoyed the performance, Toynbee Hall, the London-based charity which organised the show, backed the complaint.
Of course they did.
In a message, manager Sam Crosby said that ‘to completely deny both the experiences of people of colour and the historical context of cultural artefacts, such as songs, is racist.
Oh, FFS!
‘When these issues are raised in good faith, it’s a chance for us to learn how to be sensitive to people of colour as a group, recognise historical injustices and racist power structures, and not simply deny their feelings point-blank.’
Mary isn't 'a group', though, Sam. She's just one overly-sensitive snowflake.
‘Any further comments along these lines will result in people being blocked.’
Ah. And clearly, so are you.
11 comments:
Camptown Races, I remember it apparently very well still today, words and melody, it was in my Mel Bay guitar book in the 70's. It was also in my school music book under spritituals and negro music, next to swing low sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home. I looked over jordan and what did I see...yep I still remember. Without those I probably wouldn't have been interested in blues music and later, jazz (Blue Note records, 1958-1965 hard bop and some modal).
All based on racist foundations.
Totnbee Hall - another one to boycott!
Well I read the post and followed the links and still had no idea what the problem was. So I looked up the song lyrics and now I can't stop laughing. Is it a problem that Basil Fawlty sang a snatch of that song in the episode with the deaf woman in it? Is it a problem that Blaydon Races is written in a Geordie accent? Is there any way to placate a single issue fanatic? So many questions, running out of f***s to give.
You must watch the "Campdown Races" scene in Blazing Saddles. This will melt snowflakes: https://youtu.be/0H2W1lK7P-I
The Camptown Races bit was one of the funniest parts in Blazing Saddles.
I don't know the lyrics though, so I took Stonygrounds example and Googled them. Can't say I can make head nor tail of it though
"I'd like to extend this Laurel, and Hardy handshake, to our new...
I suppose the "Approved" list would be such uplifting and well remembered ditties such as "The Internationale", "We'll Keep The Red Flag Flying" and of course from that most favoured of approved tunes the unforgettable (or unbelievable) "Kill the Boer, Kill The Farmer" and "Come On Baby Light My Tyre" from Winnie Mandela's Greatest Hits (Sponsored by Dunlop and Goodyear).
I'll get my coat...
Aren't we lucky that there are SJWs who are always ready to take offence on behalf of others? I would have gone through the remainder of my long life wondering what was offending someone I've never met. For 4ck's sake, get a 4cking life.
The Feeders 'jesus entering from the rear' might have been more appropriate.
"Without those I probably wouldn't have been interested in blues music and later, jazz ..."
Exactly! You'd be listening to wahat Mary listens to for fun. Which is...what? *ponders*
"...and still had no idea what the problem was."
I find that happens in so many of these stories!
"The Camptown Races bit was one of the funniest parts in Blazing Saddles."
I doubt Mary's ever seen it. Maybe a campaign to send her DVDs...? :)
"I suppose the "Approved" list would be such uplifting and well remembered ditties such as "The Internationale", "We'll Keep The Red Flag Flying"..."
I bet she knows all the lyrics!
"Aren't we lucky that there are SJWs who are always ready to take offence on behalf of others?"
Without it she'd be unemployable!
Watch out for an upcoming ban of Foghorn Leghorn. Campdown Races is his favourite tune. Andy.
I hope no-one told Foghorn Leghorn about this!
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