Since the bias exists with the songs, we have the choice to sing or not aswe feel like it. Most of these songs just report the way things were. Specific to Michael Row.. it always seemed to me that Michael and sister needed to work together. I had always assumed that Michael wasthe angel and sister was any woman who was listening to him and helping out, and as such indicated that the women were often a bit more tuned in to what was neede to be done. Now I have found out that the song comes from the Georgia barrier islands, where blacks first owned land and where Gullah is spoken. There is no way out there except by boat, and my experience is that the winds are a bit dicey in an area like that, but that a sail is still a big help in making the rowing easier.

Don't know about the guy steering/gal sunning bit. I was taught to navigate and steer at a very early age, but did spend my share of time riding the pulpit, as well. It's just plain fun up there.

However Deborah, to get back to your question, yes the bias is there, but if you change the songs without preserving the original, you also rewrite history. I think we need to be aware of how it was to see how far we've come, and remember we still have a way to go. We also need to be aware of places where we do go too far. Equal rights is just that, and I have seen some men and boys marginalized in the name of equality.

Peace