In recent editions of the oxford English dictionary, the words "Negroid" and "Mongoloid" are defined according to their original intended anthropological meanings.

However, as a part of this, recognition is made of the fact that (a) these terms are not legitimate terms in anthropology any more, as it has become a much more complicated science and they are too simplistic, and (b) they are terms likely to cause offence to those whom they may be used to describe.

A dictionary is a source of collected information about words that exists so we can learn all about them.

The mudcat is becoming more than just a database of songs, but is close to becoming an encyclopedia of folk.

There's a lot more info here than on wiki .....


An authoritative compilation of songs, that includes songs of the sort described above, would be able to claim more academic legitimacy if it were to include ALL the information about a song.

This would justify the claim that this is an impartial knowledge base for those interested in folk songs, their meaning, cultural significance and origins.

It might also help a good natured but ignorant folk singer to avoid singing a song that, unbeknownst to him, might get him in trouble with his audience.


Such disclaimers would therefore not just be about placating politically correct judges and referees.

They would serve the purpose of educating people.


We all come here to read about folk, and to talk about all sorts of things. No subject is taboo and that is as it should be.

It's so much more interesting when we actually learn something we didn't know before.