No big deal.

The Guardian calling her a folk singer does not mean that the Child Ballads have been recalled or the work of Cecil Sharp has been thrown into the dumpster.    The biggest problem FOLK music has had is that people set build walls. I don't like the country-club mentality that only allows some people to be deemed "folk". There is a reason why most people hear the word "folk" and conjure up images of senior citizens in flannel shirts or paisley dresses singing out of tune songs.   

It's time to bury this crap and let the music speak for itself. You don't have to buy an Ani DiFranco CD, nor do you need to start writing your own songs.   Sing what you want to sing and let others do the same.