It may be arguable (although I would disagree) that I have over-reacted here, but although the parallel is close enough to be worth debating, I think Kent Davis draws an imperfect analogy. Where did I say that it would be wrong to say that the T-shirts under discussion (elsewhere) were nasty and unwitty? Where here did I say that I would or should walk out of a performance of these songs?

By all means disagree with points of view. That way lies civilised discussion and the possibility of convincing the respective persons that they have erred.

"Justifiability" is an issue of balance. In my opinion (IMHO, if you like) these songs do not have sufficient redeeming virtue, but their central vice is bigotry. It is the be-all and end-all of their "wit".

Traditional songs may (it may be a matter of balance) with expressions in them unacceptable today (perhaps of colour prejudice or anti-semitism) may still be "justifiable" to perform because of historical interest. Others because of musical merit despite associations - eg "Die Lindenbaum". I don't (but it is a matter of perception and evaluation, and others may disagree with me) see a parallel in these songs.



I expect history will decide.