No one is being DEFENSIVE, except to the point when you have a discussion and present an alternative view - the other party seems to take offense around here.

There is nothing wrong with the 1954 definition, except for the fact that is was 1954 and people interpret it to see fit. The defintition of community and resource is ignored and fails to accomodate modern tastes.

Here in the U.S., "folk" encompasses a wider variety of communities both traditional and modern. The term singer-songwriter, which did not come in to fashion until the late 1980's, was an attempt to placate the traditionalists and separate the styles and communities.

It ia all a bowl of stew. Some will enjoy the pieces of meat, other will like the potatoes.