"What I believe is that those who reject their own heritage in favour of supposed greener fields elsewhere are missing out, compared with those who integrate their experiences."

Santa, I do see your points and I think we are in agreement about integrating experiences.   I'm just not sure if I share your view of people who "reject" their own heritage. Perhaps it is because I live in the United States were cultures were "blended" (for lack of a better word) and new traditions were formed. Carol C said it very eloquently - "I am attracted to and play music that allows me to express what I have to say emotionally and creatively". For those of us on this side of the Atlantic, I think our culture was created on adopting traditions which hit us emotionally.

Perhaps it is a bit different in the U.K. where separate cultures seem to have longer roots and lifespans.

What I think we are all witnessing is accelerated cultural changes and modes of transmission. Since the 20th century began I believe our lifestyles have changed dramatically and it is harder to maintain certain traditions. Where once enclaves of culture were maintained due to boundries set by geography, economy and technology - today our "borders" and limitations are no longer obstacles. The fact that all of us are able to hold this "conversation" and share our ideas - practially in an instant - is an example. 100 years ago such a converstion would not have been possible without being in the same room, or requiring lengthy letters that would have taken months to reach this point of the discussion.   Likewise our "entertainment" needs are fed by television, radio, movies, books, the Internet, etc. - items that can be shared globally with appeal to all interested parties.   The need for "local" entertainment has changed and become somewhat different from holding a weekly dance and get together in the town center of a century or more ago.

In my estimation, there will always be those that are drawn to "their" culture and will do what they can to preserve it. Don't forget, the folk revival of the early 20th century was spawned because of people who were afraid of losing their culture - comments that are echoed in 2006 by people in this thread. The traditions were saved and handed down back then, and I think they will in the future.   The traditions won't be "rejected" - they just might not be as widely adopted as they once were - but then, they really aren't needed to be.