The concept of on- and off-beat clapping is fascinating, and since realizing the difference, I've been observing everywhere I can. I definitely believe that people 'with rhythm', black or white, instinctively (can't help it) liven up the percussion by clapping, tapping, or nodding on the offbeat, and that people 'without' stick with the beat. 'With' and 'without' aren't completely true anymore than 'black' and 'white' are, but there are definitely two camps. Need 'em both for a good song, right?

But it makes very interesting studying.

My best case study recently was on Martin Luther King's Birthday, at a big church filled with people from many different churches, most black but not all.

I'm white, and have always loved percussion of all kinds. Though I am (as my friend says) a christian with "small c", I very much enjoy worshipping in the black churches in my neighborhood. The spirit and energy and joy and music is what attracts me (and the fact that they're not afraid to mention 'sin'. For years I attended a Unitarian church, which never actually moved me in anyway, so I visit wherever I feel welcome.

Interesting side note: I once hosted an inter-church meeting at the Unitarian church, which we conducted in the 'house' manner, in a circle, and very subdued and intellectual. Afterwards, a friend (80ish) from the loudest, singingest, praisingest black Baptist church said to me, "I LIKE it here: a man can think. I can't THINK with all that noise at my church!". I offered to trade with him. I don't want to think when I worship (or sing, for that matter). I want to FEEL!

Dani