A fascinating thread, thanks to all for such interesting reading.

Artistic rendering of "conflict" in any media, whether it be through words, sounds, images or shapes almost always adds energy to the expression. Conflicts involving love, humor or other personal issues have broad appeal, but some people identify very strongly with particular conflicts. Folk songs frequently draw on those sources of conflict, but expressions of harmony and happiness are also common.

However, it often seems that songs of political conflict are among the best remembered. That perception may just be bardic tradition, with music and verse aiding memory, as parts of even the Iliad are pretty much lists of who killed whom when over what, or it may involve the emotional aspects of conflict as part of the human condition. For the disadvantaged in many historical or even current conflicts, folk songs have been a significant factor in preserving and communicating essentially oral traditions.

In perhaps less oblique response to InOBU's topic, our fledgling folk/celtic group deliberately avoids singing of modern (within a century maybe?) political controversies. Our decision was partly to promote peace, partly to avoid alienating audiences, and partly because of personal choices about our style and repertiore. We sing for the beauty of the music, and feel no need to convey political messages.

With regard to "Bread and Roses" ... as a song I find it wonderfully expressive of personal and political conflicts, but in no way offensive. Given proper performers and audience, it should be a captivating musical presentation.

ps: ... thanks to InOBU for condensing what took me several weeks of reading on Roma into capsule form. The Revels production on their traditions is well worth seeing.

~S~