The point that many people have made in response to your intial statement is that sometimes closing the eyes while singing or playing an instrument is common and quite appropriate in ANY form of music. It's not just a Folk music quirk. In every type of music, from opera to rock, you will find at times that a singer could close their eyes during a song. Contrary to your 'finger in the ear' label, I never sing with a finger in the ear, and I've never seen anyone do that. You started by saying that closing eyes while singing is "anti-social". I think you should not be surprised to have gotten some very firm responses to the contrary.