All true, but let's not make too much of it. I was just kidding around. And although I don't personally seek out polka's for a music listening session, I can see, hear, and understand the infectious nature of it. It's deeply rooted in so many European cultures, even more so than jazz, blues, and Black gospel in this country. Still, unlike jazz, blues, and gospel, it is embraced by very few OUTSIDE of those (European) cultures. Black, Asian, Mid-eastern cultures, which, incidentally make up the majority of the world's population, have not raced to embrace it as a popular musical form. And yet, nobody 'hates' it (as they do, say, Rap or Hip Hop) and it is universally recognized as a symbol of joy and festivals, and good times, and partying, and .....well, practically any uplifting event.
Sooooo, I apologize if my little joke offended anyone. There was no malice aforethought. But they (polkas) ARE sometimes the butt of (good-natured) jokes, even within the cultures where they are commonplace. There are so many forms of musical expression; there are bound to be some that some people don't like. For me, that would include Bluegrass, Rap/HipHop, Polkas, and practically anything written expressly for pipe organ. For the most part, it comes down to what you're used to (just like religion).
chas
To be honest with you, Chas, I almost joined in your joke and added to your initial response to Scot's post, "You are wrong. The song's title is not Two Chord Polka, but 2.5 Chord Polka!" However, I refrained myself because I do not know Scott personally and also this is a public forum. I didn't want to continue with musical stereo-typing. Ironically, you are the one that helped me one time with my post concerning "unconscious" racial stereo-typing when I quoted my teacher's comment about black musicians. Johnny said that the Italian community he grew up in with Dick Contino was right next to a black community and that black musicians especially black church musicians taught him a lot. So his comment about black musicians was a compliment, but you thought it was still racial stereo-typing. I realized that you were right, and ever since then I am a little more "polished" and do not make direct quotes like that but filter them. I do know that you were kidding around, and I am not a polka evangelist, either. LOL However, I have noticed that there is this musical stereo-typing among musicians. I just wanted us musicians to be aware of the fact that there is musical stereo-typing.
Chris
PS: I've heard accordionists complaining about media's stereo-typing about a certain musical instrument or a certain kind of music as in this TV sitcom
I don't know what to make of the next video clip but the young woman as attractive and lovely she is, she could have demolished accordion stereo-typing and accordion bashing all together had she been a good player playing some wild stuff on the accordion, but she is not even a beginner and thus solidifying the accordion bashing even more against her will. I don't know; maybe it was staged, too.
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"You Shall Know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free." John 8:32
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