Hunting, poaching and whaling songs

Subject: RE: Hunting, poaching and whaling songs
From: GUEST,David
Date: 10 Sep 08 - 07:51 AM

All songs about hunting, whaling and poaching are acceptable.Who is to be the judge? Let's not let our personal sensitivities get in the way of the traditions of music.

Subject: Hunting, poaching and whaling songs
From: theleveller
Date: 10 Sep 08 - 07:35 AM

There are lots of traditional songs celebrating both hunting and poaching, and whaling, but is it acceptable to sing these today? I remember, way back in the 60s, Mike Waterson introducing 'Dido, Bendigo' by saying that they were against fox hunting but it was a great song.

My own view is that, although I am vehemently and actively against fox and stag hunting and hare coursing, I take Mike's standpoint. The same with whaling songs, of which I have written a few myself, and, although against present-day whaling, I've recently discovered that my family was heavily involved in the Hull whaling industry in the 1800s.

As far as poaching is concerned, I have huge sympathy for those people who, often from necessity, gained food from the land in the traditional way, especially after Enclosures when the laws against poaching became much harsher. Songs like 'Rufford Park Poachers' give us a good insight into this. Whilst I am not averse to popping out at night to take the odd rabbit, hare or pheasant from the local 'squire's' land (although, of course, I would never do this myself!!!!!!! ;) ), I am certainly against organised poaching gangs who raid our countryside and rivers purely for profit.

So what do other people think? Should we be singing the songs or not or, like songs that now seem actively racist, should we consign them to the archives?