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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Dave the Gnome Date: 18 Jan 17 - 10:21 AM As always you miss the point in the usual attempt to sling shit, Dave. Usually ably assisted by your Mudcat mates. Huh? No shit slung by me, Al. I thought it was you who said "I mean really, who gives a shit about Morris dancers?" and my response was "... but I would never suggest no one is interested." Still, I suppose you have proven the point that whatever anyone does someone will take offense! Thanks for that :-) DtG |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: GUEST Date: 18 Jan 17 - 10:15 AM I detect a touch of the pejorative there, Guest. Not at all. I was promoting tolerance and civilized procedures. That line followed on from punkfolkrocker's "Fast forward to 2017.. would he be so casually tolerated near kids nowadays..???". It is not uncommon for non-tolerance in that sort of context to make itself seen in the form of ad-hoc group from the community who runs little risk of getting puches on the nose. There are better procedures to deal with such concerns. Similarly for worries over the perception of blacked-up dancers. My disagreement with punkfolkrocker is over how times have changed. 200 years ago protests against a bunch of dancers may have ended up in a fight - but the protest may not have happened for that reason. We are more civilised now. It is not neccassary to try to knock dancers hats off etc. Unless you are after publicity rather than reasoned debate. |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Big Al Whittle Date: 18 Jan 17 - 09:00 AM As always you miss the point in the usual attempt to sling shit, Dave. Usually ably assisted by your Mudcat mates. The point I was making - who would mastermind a public intrusion into what consenting adults get up to, usually - it has to be said - whenever it ventures forth from folk festivals and country jamborees to mass indifference. the image of morris dancers folornly jumping around to the leaden beat of a drum, melodeon and badly strummed guitar in a shopping precint near you - will be a familiar one to many of us. it goes against the tolerant and laid back tenor of the times we live in. I think it will be interesting to see what next artistic endeavours comes under attack from this group. They're going for the weakest first, like Mrs Whitehouse did with Gay News and the National theatre a generation ago. |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Dave the Gnome Date: 18 Jan 17 - 07:47 AM Using stripes or patterns was common certainly going back to 1901 in Abram, Lancashire. There are two examples on the back row of that photo. Not sure about the chap second from the left though! Abram Morris have kept the tradition to the present day. I don't know who the handsome chap in these two photos is as he is obviously disguised but he seems very familiar... :D tG |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Steve Shaw Date: 18 Jan 17 - 07:30 AM Oops, you didn't say stripes, did you? Where did I read that...? 🙄 |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Steve Shaw Date: 18 Jan 17 - 07:28 AM "Times may have changed such that activists (and anti wierdo vigilante groups) can usually get away with abuse without risking an on-the-spot fight." I detect a touch of the pejorative there, Guest. There are definitely two sides to this. The Morris team Mo referred to represent the other side where common sense and sensitivity prevail. Mind you, Mo, don't let the Zebra Liberation Front hear about those stripes! 😉 |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Mo the caller Date: 18 Jan 17 - 05:27 AM Another Morris team has just voted to accelerate their move away from black to patterns (already most of the side wore 2 colours, now they all will) |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: GUEST Date: 18 Jan 17 - 05:23 AM Times and appropriate public behaviour have seriously changed, and people need to adapt for their own survival... Times are aways changing. There have always been multicultural societies where people avoid day-to-day conflict through a combination of tolerance, courtesy (maybe of a formal kind) and sensitivity to others. Times may have changed such that activists (and anti wierdo vigilante groups) can usually get away with abuse without risking an on-the-spot fight. |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Backwoodsman Date: 18 Jan 17 - 02:32 AM Wise words, Joe. |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Joe Offer Date: 17 Jan 17 - 09:34 PM Jeri, I think it's wise to be moderate in moderation. This is a controversial subject, and no doubt there will be controversial posts. Until people start killing each other, it's best to let the discussion work itself out. I undeleted a few posts, but left the ones deleted that were just infighting. Folks, we try our best to allow free discussion in the music section, but we do depend on people working on their own to self-moderate. If somebody's obviously trolling, please don't respond to them. We'll take care of it, if there's a need. -Joe- |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: GUEST,Jon Date: 17 Jan 17 - 06:15 PM I think I have an odd relationship there dtg. I love dance tunes and play a few (mostly Irish). I can also like to think a tune is going the way imaginary dancers would enjoy. But my "home" is really a session. In a sense I suppose the dancers are not needed but where would the music have been without them??? |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Dave the Gnome Date: 17 Jan 17 - 05:57 PM Well, me for one, Al. There may be a lot who would agree with you but without dance, music would not be as rich as it is. One of the beauties of English folk music, to me, is that a lot of it has roots in both social and ceremonial dance. I can't imagine a world without all manner of dance and even though I am well past my sell by date when it comes to Morris, the traditional tunes can still set my feet tapping. I cannot say the same for a lot of contemporary folk but I would never suggest no one is interested. DtG |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Big Al Whittle Date: 17 Jan 17 - 04:08 PM Doesn't this all seem very strange? Unreal... I mean really, who gives a shit about Morris dancers? perhaps their mothers, i suppose...perhaps... |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: punkfolkrocker Date: 17 Jan 17 - 02:45 PM ok.. heres one of them there metaphor thingies for consideration Our very small west country market town where I grew up.. [20 miles down the road from where i now live..] In the mid 1960s when I was kid walking to junior school and back with my mates we'd often pass by one of the harmless town nutters.. All year round he rambled the streets of the estate in nothing but a very tight T shirt and a very skimpy pair of speedo style swimming trunks .. dunno .. maybe some kind of health freak.. He never approached or bothered us kids, and the adults laughed him off as that soft in the head bloke in his Y fronts... Fast forward to 2017.. would he be so casually tolerated near kids nowadays..??? Times and appropriate public behaviour have seriously changed, and people need to adapt for their own survival... 🙄 I won't even mention weird old Alfie who lived in the bungalows... ??? |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Jack Campin Date: 17 Jan 17 - 01:45 PM It is also relevant that prior to the same period blacking up was illegal under anti-poaching laws "Roll up! Roll up! We're your local poaching team, here to entertain you with our traditional dance..." I don't think so. Sounds about as likely as a pickpocketing shanty. |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Jeri Date: 17 Jan 17 - 12:21 PM I might as well weigh in on this. It doesn't seem to me that "blacking up" has much to do with minstrelry. The latter pokes fun at Black people while appropriating their music. It's about acknowledging the quality of music while ridiculing people. The morris dancing doesn't seem to ridicule, doesn't usurp anyone else's traditions. The only thing it has in common with minstrelry is the black faces. In short, I don't see any hatred, disdain, or ridicule. I don't know (does anyone, for sure?) that the black faces aren't chimney-sweepesque or a form of disguise. Even if they ARE trying to look like Black people, without the negative stuff, I don't see the problem. People who try to look like another group of people are pretty common. I realize some people will take offense. To some extent, perception=reality, and no matter how factually wrong they may be, their opinions and feelings are real. Whether folks adjust their behavior based on other people's perceptions is decision only they can make. I don't want to get caught up in saying whether they're right or wrong. |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: GUEST,Guest Date: 17 Jan 17 - 12:01 PM If you want to do your own research start with the following (generally easier to make sense of than the confusing and inaccurate Wikipedia page): Gordon Ashman, 1988. Custom in conflict : the morris dance in the Shrewsbury and Ironbridge area of Shropshire. Traditional Dance, 5/6, p. 135-151. Teresa Buckland, 1990. Black faces, garlands, and coconuts: exotic dances on street and stage. Dance Research Journal, 22(2), Autumn 1990, p. 1-12. Roy Palmer, 2004. The folklore of Shropshire. Almeley : Logaston Press, p. 263-269. Roy Dommett, 2012. Blacking up and "Border" morris. Morris Matters, 31(1), p. 15-16. Derek Schofield, 2005. A black and white issue? English Dance & Song, Summer 2005, p. 12-14. Chloe Metcalfe, 2013. To black up or not black up? Morris Federation Newsletter, Winter, p. 6-9. Charlotte Burne, 1886. Shropshire folk-lore, vol. 3. London : Trübner & Co. E. C. Cawte, 1963. The morris dance in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire. Journal of the EFDSS, 9(4), p. 197-212. Dave Jones, 1995. The roots of Welsh border morris. Putley : Annie Jones, 75 p. |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Senoufou Date: 17 Jan 17 - 11:47 AM No thanks Jeri, I have no wish to start anything with anyone. I'm off. Eliza |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: punkfolkrocker Date: 17 Jan 17 - 11:39 AM For example 😎 |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: punkfolkrocker Date: 17 Jan 17 - 11:27 AM There's very interesting & intelligent stuff going on amongst the pagan folk culture bands / artists in Europe.. Which does involve some forms of face darkening.. |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Dave the Gnome Date: 17 Jan 17 - 11:16 AM Just as I hit post I thought of what may make, in my mind, an excellent alternative. How about Green Man-esque type camouflage? Links in a couple of pagan elements quite well :-) D. |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: punkfolkrocker Date: 17 Jan 17 - 11:14 AM David Carter (UK) - ok... in my estimation.. it doesn't really matter what the original intent and motivation was.. perhaps too far lost back in time...??? What is important is.. Now.. how is Blacked up face morris perceived by a majority of British multi ethnic population who are not interested or knowledgeable in our specialist hobby / academic obsession...??? 🙄 .. and then it's not as if most of them will ever encounter morris anywhere in their lives.. apart from maybe stumbling across a morris side on a trip to the shops in a town or city centre... Just like any the other oddballs and nutters who take their turn at putting on a show event in a public space.. Actually what is more entertaining or outrageously offensive to a a casual passing uninformed public audience.. blacked up face morris skipping about in feathers and boot polish, or any of the sermonising evangelical religious zealots shouting that we are all doomed to hell as we make our way to the pound shop or Argos.... |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Dave the Gnome Date: 17 Jan 17 - 11:13 AM I would agree with that, David and made the decision not to do so myself some time back. I would however not dream of imposing that choice on anyone else. Make up is a very personal thing - Just ask any of the ladies here :-) Provided that it is obviously not a 'minstrel' type of make up I can't see how it would cause offense but at some point, someone may take offense anyway :-( Why risk it when there are many good alternatives? Cheers DtG |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: robomatic Date: 17 Jan 17 - 11:06 AM I think this is a specific example of a general trend: As peoples interpenetrate each other, the phenomenon also known as multiculturalism, they are exposed to each others' belief systems and traditions. There is a lot of information out there, and not only is a lot of it wrong, a lot of it is not understood correctly, a different kind of wrong. So blacking up in England is interpreted similarly to blacking up in America, which was a tradition which is not poorly thought of. This conflation leads to resentment. There is a multi-hundred years old tradition among the Dutch called "Zwarte Piet". It is not a thoudand years, and it is based on a book, but it is beloved among some, and now under attack. In some cases maybe an explanation and education suffices. But in others, some traditions deserve to be kiboshed no matter how old they are. Note the announcement in the United States just within the last two days that the grandest circus in American history is going to go defunct. This has gone on for almost a century and a half. And the tradition of bull-fighting has been diminishing over the last few years and it is certainly over a thousand years old with major religious connotations, both pagan and Judeo-Christian. |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: David Carter (UK) Date: 17 Jan 17 - 10:37 AM For the record, I am with Jeri on this. The thread was dragged off topic by some quite objectionable GUEST posts. Its best not to respond, though briefly and unwisely I did. Now, lets have some sensible discussion of when blacking up originated in border Morris, and whether it originally had any racial motivation. As far as I can see experts don't agree on this, and Wikipedia is equivocal. And then my personal opinion: if the answer to the second is, or conceivably could be, yes, then lets not do it. |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: punkfolkrocker Date: 17 Jan 17 - 10:20 AM Hi Jeri - I've been well aware this thread is treading a delicate balance between 'folk' and BS.. but so far it seems to me mostly good humoured and the 'politics' pertinent to seriously discussing the wider context & ramifications of the music/dance topic under discussion.... From my 30 odd years ago degree/post grad background in arts, media, and ideology, it is a natural and inescapable binding of 'folk' ideas and 'politics' ideas.. In such a debate, not so easy to enforce strict demarcation lines... 🤔 And dare I say, I think most have us have been fairly tolerant and respectful throughout this thread... It's certainly not fair to upset Senoufou by stifling her expression of deeply personal concerns on this subject... ????
Posts that responded directly to a troll's remarks were removed. The moral of this episode: Don't Feed the Trolls. Just ignore their remarks and they will be removed. ---mudelf |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Jeri Date: 17 Jan 17 - 10:07 AM Keep in mind that this is, so far, a music thread. It's not an opportunity to have a BS debate above the line so guests can stir up trouble. The posts that I saw weren't about the subject at hand. They were either trolls or people dancing to the trolls' tunes. Senoufou and punkfolkrocker, if you want to have a debate about British political policy as it pertains to perceived racism, you're perfectly capable of starting a thread below the line. And THIS post ought to be deleted at some point. |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: punkfolkrocker Date: 17 Jan 17 - 09:25 AM Senoufou - There in no reasonable justification for today's arbitrary deletions.. AS you can see I have kept a copy of the lost posts. I think a PM formal complaint from you to Joe or another sensible mod, would carry more weight than one from me.. |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Senoufou Date: 17 Jan 17 - 09:19 AM I have just had a post removed from this thread. In my opinion it was hardly controversial or inflammatory, and was in response to other posts. If my considered opinions are not wanted here, and are being censored for some unfathomable reason, I see no point in continuing to contribute to this forum. Maybe whoever removed it might like to explain why. |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: punkfolkrocker Date: 17 Jan 17 - 09:03 AM Sleeping with the telly on is a British gentleman's sacred right... I am taking a stand against uninspiring tv shows by actively & militantly nodding off for freedom and justice...!!! 😜 .. Also I probably eat far too big evening meals..... ..and that's proper traditional British grub like bangers and veg curry 'n' rice... !!! 😋 |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: GUEST Date: 17 Jan 17 - 08:45 AM PFR, stop sleeping with the TV on. Senoufou, liberal = generosity, which makes great leaders, and Nations. |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: punkfolkrocker Date: 17 Jan 17 - 08:27 AM right then.. I've just read Howard Jones's link, and that website's about profile... It's more or less in accord with my sarcastic mindset and lefty liberal values.. [even though i'd bet more than a fair few right wing libertarians support that site...???] So just to recap, and make my position clearer... In an ideal mature sane society I'd be in favour of the visual theatrical impact of blacked face morris.. I think it looks good. I'd also accept serious artists utilizing minstrel and golly imagery in their artistic expression to explore ideas, confront, and stimulate viewers and audiences.. But right now post brexit Britain ain't an ideal society, and is probably doomed to become even les fair and tolerant then it struggles to be right now..??? So in this climate, the onus must be on Blacked up face morris to take full responsibility for their own, and their supporters attitudes and actions, and accept the consequences when they inadvertently [..maybe even, deliberately...???] antagonise and offend........ Not too much to ask really.. is it..???? |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Senoufou Date: 17 Jan 17 - 07:35 AM Well the numbers involved isn't the point really. If one single chap did himself up in Minstrel make-up and parodied black folk on a street corner in Norwich, I'd be deeply offended on behalf of my husband. Liberalism isn't a blanket term for 'anything goes' or a carte blanche for allowing anything and anybody to arrive/act here in UK without control. But it does promote tolerance, acceptance and respect for the diversity which already exists here. To me it represents basic kindness and politeness. Brexit to me (and many people I've discussed it with) is a result of the sheer numbers of people arriving here from other countries needing housing, schooling, medical care and employment, which we're finding it harder and harder to provide. It's nothing to do with their ethnicity, nationality or culture etc. We're overloaded, stretched to the limit and full up, so it's time to shut the door! |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Senoufou Date: 17 Jan 17 - 04:30 AM Howard Jones, I do like that article you posted very much indeed. And I particularly liked the line that says going by all the racist accusations, one would think Border Morris is '... the arts and crafts wing of the British Nationalist Party.' Brilliant! The point of the article is very true, that by banning black-face one is denying people the right to present themselves as they see fit for their tradition, and would engender resentment and ill-feeling which would be counter-productive to good relations and tolerance between the many different cultures here in UK. We actually have a fabulous, rich mix of loads of interesting cultural traditions here, and far from accusing each other of racism, we should be celebrating our luck in having all this diversity. I actually wonder if there is any country in the world with such a wonderfully wide selection of folk dance, song, costume and art? |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Dave the Gnome Date: 17 Jan 17 - 04:11 AM if he told racist jokes of course he discriminated, what planet are you on. Thanks for the constructive and civil response to what I thought was a perfectly valid statement, Dick. Excuse me if I totally ignore it. DtG |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Howard Jones Date: 17 Jan 17 - 04:08 AM Some sensible comments from the "other side": Banning black face isn't fighting racism |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: punkfolkrocker Date: 15 Jan 17 - 09:33 AM Senoufou - truly integrated dance would be brilliant - just imagine the fire that Bhangra could bring to pep up moribund morris..!!! 😎 Forward and outward thinking brit folk notables have promoted high profile multicultural projects like "Imagined Village".. which as to be expected was received with much hostile resistance by too many old guard folkies... 😣 |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Senoufou Date: 15 Jan 17 - 09:19 AM The one thing that would put a stop to these 'racism' accusations once and for all, is if lots of black people became members of Border Morris sides. I say 'black' because that is the colour of the make-up, but of course all ethnicities taking part would be excellent. I've never seen a black person dancing, (only my husband when invited into a dance while watching). I once attended a Morris Ring event in Weston-Super-Mare where I noticed a Sikh in a turban dancing with a Cotswold side. Anyone else know of black Morris dancers anywhere? |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: punkfolkrocker Date: 15 Jan 17 - 07:54 AM .. Though when I say "infiltrated".. let's not deny that so many as cannot be counted were already embedded from within the heart of folk to the fringes for decades by the very nature of rural folk culture, and are still sowing the seeds of 'Fortress Britain' xenophobia in new generations.... 🙄 |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: punkfolkrocker Date: 15 Jan 17 - 07:50 AM "if he told racist jokes of course he discriminated, what planet are you on. border morris sides using black paint ate not being racist or racialy abusing anyone or discriminating racially or stereo typing, they have simply gone out to do some border morris dancing." Dick - you simply can't state that with such dogmatic certainty because as far as we know, accomplished as you are, you are not a mind reader.. !!! None of us know what lies in the hearts and minds of every single individual involved in black up face morris...??? How many may be deliberately, knowingly, provocatively participating in this traditional dance with the added intention & motivation of winding up the 'lefty liberal PC Brigade' and stirring up racial disharmony at a time of escalating divisive cultural tensions...??? Now is not a time for naevety and denial... We do know for a fact UKIP / Brexiteers are gloating in their mean spirited crusade and slender percentage victory, and that racist attacks are on the increase... Mere coincidence... really...????? 😣 All this at as certain reactionary arseholes make bold public statements about reclaiming Britain for the 'British'.. Of course a hardcore of known British ultra right wing thug groups have infiltrated and appropriated British Folk Culture as a symbolic 'flag' to rally around in defense of the realm.. That is objective demonstratable fact... !!! 😠 |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: The Sandman Date: 15 Jan 17 - 04:52 AM refusing to let people join a morris side because of their race is disacrimination , but this has not happened, however the morris rimng has discrimated against women joining morris sides. what are your views on that, that is genuine discrimination |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: The Sandman Date: 15 Jan 17 - 04:49 AM Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Dave the Gnome - PM Date: 14 Jan 17 - 12:05 PM Racism and racial discrimination are not the same thing, Dick. Bernard Manning told racist jokes but he did not discriminate against letting 'Nignogs' or 'Pakis' into the Embassy club. But, yes, we can fight genuine racism by stopping discrimination, racial abuse and stereotyping. Cheers DtG. if he told racist jokes of course he discriminated, what planet are you on. border morris sides using black paint ate not being racist or racialy abusing anyone or discriminating racially or stereo typing, they have simply gone out to do some border morris dancing. |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: GUEST,pauperback Date: 14 Jan 17 - 06:18 PM Portland Oregonians have been heard using Clackamastan for the cowboy boot, and cowboy hat wearing Clackamas County. Rural vs Urban. No love lost there. |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Backwoodsman Date: 14 Jan 17 - 02:43 PM Or even Ignorantcuntshire, like Morris-ey. |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: GUEST,Morris-ey Date: 14 Jan 17 - 01:01 PM This is not about racism or discrimination. It is about having a degree of sensitivity, or at least a degree of social awareness, that if you put on blackface and dance in a major city where there is a significant population of non-white British (but as British as anyone else) then you might expect to called out about it. If you live in some RoI backwater, or yokel Lincolnshire, or Shitkickshire, then you really have no idea or more likely don't care |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Andrew Wigglesworth Date: 14 Jan 17 - 12:42 PM Howard Jones: I completely agree with you, and yes, it may have come across as a moment of blinding revelation, but I do know that some sides do this already. Sides could be between the proverbial rock and a hard place on this issue if it continues to gain ground, maybe it'll sensibly die back down, but the policy made by a certain folk festival and the EFDSS statement doesn't give much hope. Personally, I'd be supportive of any team who wished simply to continue doing what they do, as you say, without shame ... but who knows what will happen next :-( |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Dave the Gnome Date: 14 Jan 17 - 12:05 PM Racism and racial discrimination are not the same thing, Dick. Bernard Manning told racist jokes but he did not discriminate against letting 'Nignogs' or 'Pakis' into the Embassy club. But, yes, we can fight genuine racism by stopping discrimination, racial abuse and stereotyping. Cheers DtG |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: The Sandman Date: 14 Jan 17 - 11:18 AM so Dave, according to definition in dictionary racism and racial discrimination are one and the same. SO CAN WE FIGHT GENUINE RACISM. |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: Bonzo3legs Date: 14 Jan 17 - 10:53 AM The morris ring is run by a bunch of ignorant wankers. |
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Subject: RE: blacked up morris dancers abused in uk From: The Sandman Date: 14 Jan 17 - 10:34 AM There are genuine issues of discrimination that need to be dealt with, attacking morris dancers for blacking up is tilting at windmills, morris dancers who black up do it to disguise themselves not to mock people who are black or brown, now if a morris side contained a black or brown ? would people object if they pinked up I wish there were more black or brown or chinese or japanese doing border morris, then perhaps those ignorant people that attacked morris dancers might start to cop on, meanwhile the morris ring still uses gender discrimination against women. people need to start fighting real issues of discrimination not this phoney claims of racism, racism and racial discrim ination are the same "thing. here are two different dictionary definitions of racism 1.prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior." 2.the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races. the above examples are not the case with boder morris sides |
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