I'm not raging M Ted, I'm simply presenting a different point of view from Susan and Butch. Is that not to be tolerated here?

Also, if this thread is to be included in the study threads, isn't the information I'm providing relevant to that? The Parlor Songs website is an excellent site. People with a serious interest in learning more about this aspect of music history can use these things I'm citing. The American Experience program on PBS, as well as the film "Ethnic Notions" are excellent studies of the subject.

We've also been discussing Spike Lee's latest film, "Bamboozled"--or I should say, at least some of us have tried to bring it into the conversation. Unfortuately, those who are currently performing these songs refuse to be engaged in that part of the discussion.

Again, nowhere have I advocated censorship of this music, or of the information surrounding it. It is important not to sweep it under the rug, absolutely. I just seriously question the value of continuing to perform the music. Butch and Susan are acting as if others have no right to challenge their performance of extremely provocative material with deep and long associations with a racist past. It is material they KNOW offends many, yet the seem to be suggesting their performance of the material either doesn't offend anyone (which I grant may be true), or that it SHOULDN'T offend anyone.

I can accept that they are performing the music sensitively enough that it hasn't yet offended anyone in their audiences that they are aware of. What I refuse to accept is their contention that their performance of these songs SHOULDN'T offend anyone. I disagree strongly with that contention, but I'm not raging at anyone about it.

Expressing a point of view that is at odds with two posters isn't raging at all, so I think your post is way off the mark.