Watching the news this morning an interesting topic arose - the minimal presence of blacks in country and rock music. One of the commentators seemed quite fixated on these genres of music not being relatable to the black community. The pundit hosting the forum, as well as another commentator, pointed out that the subjects primarily discussed in country music (working for the man/working hard, poverty, relationships) could be undoubtedly identifiable within the African-American community as well. The response? Well, there just isn't a black face saying those things so blacks still won't be able to identify and feel comfortable with the music. Pardon?
This same person had no more than a few minutes earlier said that the reason whites can identify so much with rap and hip-hop is that the topics in them are universal. So, why then is that if rap and hip-hop can be embraced by all races can country and rock not? The themes and topics approached in ALL genres of music are the same with only the approaches differing. The races of those artists within the genre have absolutely no bearing on whether or not they will be successful in that genre or their knowledge of that style of music. I have a hard time understanding how someone can honestly say that not liking a style of music based on race is not racist, regardless of who is doing the judging. An individual who refuses to listen to hip-hop solely because the artists are predominantly black is just as racist a motive as an individual who refuses to listen to country or rock music solely because white is the predominant color of the artists. Prejudice is prejudice no matter how you try and spin it.
I feel that labeling certain genres of music as belonging to one race or another is very close-minded and ignorant. There are countless examples of men and women of all races involving themselves in a diverse range of musical styles. Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix, and TV on the Radio are just a few names that immediately jump to mind of those of non-white descent finding success in the rock genre. Rap and hip-hop is a leading example of how those of Latin, black, white, Asian and mixed ethnic heritages can be successful in just a single genre of music. I think it's about time that people stop using music as just another avenue for their race wars and instead embrace the inherent universality of music and utilize it to break down barriers instead of keeping them up.
Good question. To me, genre deals with the overall feel of a piece, which always sits well in some cultures but not others. Sometimes music goes with a cultural activity - fast gritty punk with skating, pulsing electronic beats with dancing, intricate instrumentation with thinking and imagining. It has to set the right kind of mood. Race affects music indirectly as part of a broader cultural package including attitudes and activities. Thus we can only break down racial barriers in music by desegregating these other aspects of our culture. Chill with a diverse group of friends and appreciate their interests and music tastes.