Historical Lyrics on Rolls
By Craig Brougher
I think that historical lyrics are different from hysterical lyrics. I too have a few juicy rolls, but I can say that they are the exception rather than the rule. In every generation, there's going to be all manner of people, some of which patronize the baser elements of that society.
We are merely talking market demand in any case, and the risque was an element that cannot be denied. The percentage of the risque to the generally accepted fare is also an important factor if we are to learn something. Market share is percentage.
I also think that freedom of expression in a strong moral society is much more allowable, while permitting the same freedoms in a weak, degenerate society is not! Because in a weak, amoral bunch of yahoos, they will go to the extreme, without the faintest understanding of where the limits are. So the very fact that what today is considered racial slurs (for example) was then considered ethnic slang.
Our modern moral outrage therefore could have a lot to do with guilt transference and personal consciences which are not pristine, more than it actually pretends to _perfect_ everybody else and protect their own righteous baby-tender ears. Guilt is the mother of hypocrisy. If you can lay a guilt trip on society, then they deserve it! And they will always overreact with posturing which they hope others perceive as moral outrage and innocence.
Back in the days of these old rolls, both black and white alike referred to the blacks as darkies, Rastus, niggers, etc. Today, that is terrible and we wouldn't do it, simply because it is offensive and derogatory to our good neighbors. But to call our forefathers shameful sinners is highly judgmental and offensive to ME! That was _then_. This is _now_. _Then,_ you might have spoken that way yourself. Grandpa used to tell me, "Don't tell me what you're going to do. Tell me what you did!" (Yep; even that came from the past.)
We have a wealth of historical perspective in all kinds of rolls if we will be honest enough to rein-in the now politically correct (but shameful) judgmental contemporary attitudes, and look at these rolls as a treasure trove; a bit more scientifically, and with a genuine desire to learn (and not about bigotry). Let's not be offended silly, or impressing ourselves with our purity, and let's stop concentrating on the offbeat fringe rolls (which in their day were boycotted by moral codes and not found in most major outlets, anyway), and try to find a balance with honesty.
If we want to learn, then we switch to student mode. Right? We have so much more to gain from it that way. I appeal to a spirit of wholesome balance and depth for the benefit of the historical perspective, as opposed to the (ultimately dishonest) way so many "scientists" today delve into social perspectives.
Craig Brougher
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(Message sent Thu 2 Jan 1997, 18:44:10 GMT, from time zone GMT.) |
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