Race is a serious subject and sometimes I don't always want to be serious. It's not that I'm uncomfortable talking about race on Mudcat. But particularly when I'm at low energy, it's more than a notion to talk about something that in the best of times can be energy draining.

For me, it's merely one of several "serious subjects" but I suspect I can say that without getting too fussed because the minority I identify with is not, routinely, being disparaged or singled out in some way. Having been in various 'minority' contexts I suppose I've learned to deal with it by being selective about which provocations I'll respond to.

Some threads I'll avoid because their title is clearly associated (in my mind) with discussions of issues that have never been resolved in the past and their emotional load is such that resolution is unlikely; I'll save my efforts for areas likely to be more productive. Every now and then, however, a discussion will throw up a little bombshell, similar in effect to that on Azizi of a comment on "race".

Is it 'oversensitive' of me to react? Perhaps it is, sometimes. But, if I categorise it as 'requiring a riposte', I've noticed over the years that rational arguments rarely change much about emotionally-charged beliefs. But I feel obliged to make the effort, just in case it'll work this time, and the imperative to respond is stronger when a lack of challenge to the proposition is likely to disadvantage or hurt someone. But, unless it's possible my post can extend the scope of the discussion in some way I'm really just cluttering up bandwidth.

On that basis, race is not relevant here, we all folk music lovers,
just forget about your race/colour and get on with it while perhaps an admirable aspiration with one grain of truth, misses the point of much of the discussion.

Cheers, Rowan