I think the other thing to bear in mind is that music isn't just music - we all bring other elements to it which reinforce our own identity and prejudices.

This is what I was getting at with my question upthread about folk being 'the music of the people'. I think some people start from the proposition that folk is the people's music & then redefine 'folk' to fit. I just think they're great songs, and I've enjoyed some traditional song sessions as much as any other musical experience I've ever had.