Wishing you well, Steve.

Thanks Rigby, that's useful. I agree that these are important issues. If we ever meet, I'd be really happy to have a more detailed conversation about them; this forum probably isn't the place for that.

It's an interesting scenario that you raise, and I'm actually an admin in a Facebook group where I sometimes have to delete pending posts that are staunchly pro-Palestinian but which could be offensive to others. Over time, what we've found to be most effective to a harmonious and solidaristic environment is to clearly lay out the ground rules at the top of the page. On the occasions when we've queried people's judgement in sharing a certain thing, 9 times out of 10 they've taken that on board. On the now very rare occasions that flare-ups occur, we speak to people, and further refine the guidance.

Of course, most folk-clubs don't have written rules. We can establish norms and conventions in our interactions, programming choices, articles and online discussions. It's a constant evolution.

I've not encountered the scenario you describe, despite Hebden Bridge's strong leftwards tilt. People just don't bring those songs to the session. If it did happen, my default is to support the perspective of the person who feels racially offended. If a 'healing' conversation is possible, ideally one that builds mutual understanding, great.

Of course, the most challenging situation to navigate would be a disagreement on such grounds between a Palestinian and a Jewish attendee. Very difficult to say, hypothetically. Again, what you want to try and create are conversations and mutual understanding. Sometimes easier said than done.

Thankfully, as we seem to have broadly established, it's slightly easier - though still sometimes difficult! To try to find the correct balance on racialised language or material with a potentially racist message, even if no-one in attendance is from the groups pertained to.