For a very good discussion on this subject, please see this previous thread on Song Appropriateness.

For the record, I think you guys are overreacting to the clearly and simply stated opinions of two women. Also, I am a vegetarian and I sing cowboy songs, they are part of my heritage. The only other things I'd like to say is I've spent the better part of over a year learning from some of the best such as Art Thieme and Sandy Paton, that the folk process is ongoing, in that folks rewrite lyrics often to suit their need. For a fine and recent example, I would refer you to the SONG CHALLENGE!Part 6 thread and LEJ's posting of new words to an old cowboy favourite.

I think we have a right to our opinion without everyone going overboard. I also don't think most audiences would be very impressed nor supportive of the original words to this beautiful tune, depending on how and in what context it was presented. Women have had to work hard and long to overcome such stereotypes and except in an hisotircal context I don't see any redeeming value in performing it, in public. MY OPINION ONLY.

Midchuck, with all due respect, I spent half of my childhood being teased and denigrated for being "hyper-sensitive" because I had such a high degree of empathy and was so able to relate to others' feelings. This ability is something I now understand much better and it has served me in good stead for may years. I am not "new age" nor "PC". I study a very ancient learning of metaphysics and consider myself to be "ethically conscious". Sorry if you are uncomforatble with that.

My very ability to understand where you all are coming from in this debate would keep me from voting for "drumming" you out of the Mudcat; besides, in case you haven't noticed, the Mudcat has ALL types and there ain't no drumming any of us out; just doesn't happen.

katjuststatingheropinion