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Eskimo Republic Political Song Book

18 Oct 10 - 10:39 AM (#3009802)
Subject: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: GUEST,Ewan McVicar

My new book is called The Eskimo Republic [Scots political song in action 1951-1999] and it will be launched Saturday 30th Oct, 8.30pm, in Out Of The Blue Drill Hall, 30-38 Dalmeny St, off Leith Walk, Edinburgh. Singers on the night will include Stuart Mchardy, John Greig, Nancy Nicolson, Eileen Penman, Ukes Against Nukes, Steven Clark, Geordie McIntyre, Alison McMorland, Billy Stewart and Ian Davison...


"Ewan McVicar's latest book investigates the historical roots of Scots political song, and considers the role of key activists and songmakers, and how new and old Scottish songs fuelled and reported on political actions and campaigns, from the 1950 reiving of the Stane of Destiny through the growth of the SNP to the 1999 reopening of the Scottish Parliament, and on peace campaigns and protests from the 1960s to the 1990s.
The work of Hamish Henderson, Matt McGinn, Thurso Berwick, Hamish Imlach, Ewan MacColl and Dick Gaughan is considered. Interviewees include Jim McLean, Ian Davison, Alistair Hulett, Ian McCalman, Eric Bogle, Marion Blythman, Billy Wolfe, Jim Kelman, Fiona Hyslop MSP, Archie Fisher, Geordie MacIntyre, Ann Neilson, John Greig, Peggy Seeger, Ian Walker, John Powles, Stuart McHardy, Nancy Nicolson, Sheila Douglas, Rab Noakes, Cathie Peattie MSP, Hugh MacDonald, Rob Gibson MSP, Danny Couper, Donald Smith, Dolina MacLennan, Eileen Penman, Ronnie Clark and John Barrow..."


18 Oct 10 - 10:45 AM (#3009808)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: GUEST

Should have given book details, dash it!
Published by Gallus Publishing, £13.99, ISBN 978-0-9565990-4-9, distributed by Word Power Books [www.word-power.co.uk]. The book had a data CD with 29 mp3 song files, various images, lyrics, covers of song booklets, etc.
Ewan


18 Oct 10 - 10:54 AM (#3009821)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: maeve

Congratulations! I'm sure many here will be pleased to see another fine book from you.

Maeve


18 Oct 10 - 02:49 PM (#3010010)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: weerover

Won't make the launch but I'll sure be after a copy - looks like quite a volume. Incidentally, can anyone say what the original was for which the song The Eskimo Republic borrowed the tune? I suspect it's Irish as I've come across a few other Irish songs which share the same tune.

wr


19 Oct 10 - 03:31 AM (#3010363)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: GUEST

When Morris wrote The Eskimo Republic he named the tune as The Boys of Garvagh, an Irish [Orange?] tune. When Robert Burns and Lady Nairne made use of the tune they called it Loch Errochside.
Ewan


25 Oct 10 - 05:41 PM (#3015305)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Matthew Edwards

Just got back from a visit to family in Linlithgow and Edinburgh so I'll miss the launch, but if the new book as good and well-written as Doh Ray Me, When Ah Wis Wee it should be a very good book indeed. Good luck with the launch on Sunday - I heard Geordie and Alison conduct a superb session on political songs at Whitby earlier this year.

Matthew


25 Oct 10 - 05:54 PM (#3015312)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: gnu

Good luck... if you need it. >;-)


25 Oct 10 - 06:31 PM (#3015332)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Jack Campin

What's the ticket price for the launch event?


26 Oct 10 - 06:14 PM (#3016254)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: ollaimh

i realize that the inuit are so small a group that few pay any attention but the word eskimo is a greivous slur to them, their "n" word.

they are called inuit


26 Oct 10 - 07:07 PM (#3016303)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Susanne (skw)

ollaimh, they didn't know that in Glesga in the 'sixties ...


27 Oct 10 - 08:50 AM (#3016662)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: GUEST,Neil D

But most people do know it in 2010.


27 Oct 10 - 09:52 AM (#3016729)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Jack Campin

Seems that neither ollamh nor Neil D know the song, or what it's about. Or they'd have cut the nitpicking.

Again: what's the ticket price for this event?


27 Oct 10 - 07:28 PM (#3017283)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: GUEST,Gallus Moll

Political correctness is all very well, but if it means living in a Brave New World of editing every song and ballad ever written - -the the music will surely die!
I have been a feminist for all of my adult life, but it doesn't stop me singing songs written in a different time, with different attitudes - I might choose not to include some in my repertoire, but I can't rewrite history!
I am not quite old enough to accurately recall the details of the anti-nuclear protests on the Clyde (tho' I do sing a number of the songs) - I am sure any errors on my part will be quickly corrected by those who were there!
The Glasgow Eskimos were so named by a commander / captain of one of the early US 'mother ships' to their submarines based in / imposed on the Holy Loch, by Dunoon (Scotland)during the Cold War - against the wishes of many if not most of the people of this small country!
Some of the protesters kayaked out to the ships, tried to board them, paint the submarines yellow (!) - wearing the 60s equivalent of Goretex, parkas with fur lined hoods (hence Glesca Eskimos).

There were various forms of protest, and T.S. Law (whose nephew still lives in this locality) was the driving force behind a group of writers producing songs under the name 'Thurso Berwick' - Thurso being the farthest North town and Berwick the farthest South in Scotland.
One of the songs was 'The Glesca Eskimos' to the tune 'Marching Through Georgia,' and another was 'The Eskimo Republic' to 'the Boys of Garvagh' - it painted a picture of an ideal life in a land where all are equal, peaceful, happy and fulfilled.
As Jack Campin said, the complainers are obviously unaware of the background and the song, so perhaps you should check them out first!


28 Oct 10 - 09:54 AM (#3017676)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: GUEST,Neil D

Wasn't commenting on the name of a song from the 60's. Was commenting on the name of a book from 2010.


28 Oct 10 - 10:56 AM (#3017718)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: maeve

I haven't found mention of any charge for this event, Jack. Perhaps you can find the information you seek here:
http://www.outoftheblue.org.uk/


28 Oct 10 - 11:55 AM (#3017781)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: MGM·Lion

the word eskimo is a greivous slur to them, their "n" word········

WHY?


28 Oct 10 - 02:59 PM (#3017926)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Tim Chesterton

'Eskimo' is an Athabascan Indian word meaning 'eaters of raw meat'. Most 'Eskimo' prefer their own word, 'Inuit', which means 'people' (note that it is a plural word so it's not correct to say 'Tom is an Inuit'; the singular is 'Inuk').

Many local dialects have variations referring to regional groupings (eg. 'Inuinait', 'Inuvialuit'). The 'it' ending is a plural ending.

The use of 'Inuit' is not entirely problem-free. There is no other word for 'people', so it's tough to say 'They are not Inuit'! In fact, in Inuktitut translations of the Bible, Jesus feeds 5000 Inuit!

Also, not all Eskimos are offended by the word 'Eskimo'. I lived in the western and central Arctic from 1984-91 and had to learn to speak Inuinaktun to do my job. Most local folks there were quite OK with the word 'Eskimo'. In the east, however, they considered it offensive and 'Inuit' was universal.

(No connection at all with the original thread; just trying to offer some accurate linguistic information!).


28 Oct 10 - 04:04 PM (#3017970)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: GUEST,John Moulden

Thank heaven for people who, despite the drive for political correctness, persist in pursuing accuracy. May I modestly suggest that those who find the word 'eskimo' obnoxious in any context, buy the book, search its covers for a title that gives a better evocation of the spirit of independence and defiance that typifies Scottish radical action and the songs that express it, and the whole context within which the action was taken - including the scorn expressed by those who oppose such action. I'm sure that, faced with a fair and reasoned alternative, the editor and publishers will consider a second edition under a different title. However, in the meantime, I'd suggest that no-one should venture to criticize without having made an effort similar to that of the editor/compiler to understand the songs, their makers and their context.


28 Oct 10 - 04:21 PM (#3017979)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Effsee

Gallus Moll, I've always been under the impression that Thurso Berwick was the nom de plume of Morris Blythman.


28 Oct 10 - 06:17 PM (#3018055)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: GUEST,Gallus Moll

oops! got mixed up whilst browsing my Rebel Ceilidh Songbook and partaking of a glass of wine - sorry!!


28 Oct 10 - 10:14 PM (#3018191)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Effsee

No probs GM, get the same confusion wi' ma red tinnies sometimes!


06 Nov 10 - 04:09 AM (#3024937)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: GUEST

As the writer and publisher of the book I knew well that the word Eskimo is insulting to the Inuit people, but the book is not about them, and only refers to them first in the words of 1960 US Captain Lanin of the supply ship Proteus [he uses the word in contempt of the West of Scotland Canoeing Club], then it is adopted by the protesters as a badge of honour, since they believed the Eskimos to live in various Northern countries but never to have started or threatened a war [is that true?]. Thirdly, the songmakers made the song The Glesca Eskimos, and then Morris Blythman himself made the song The Eskimo Republic. The book is about the songs, songmakers and singers there and then. Why should I change the title to be about something else, of another time, place and people?
The word slavery, for example, denotes something shameful and insulting throughout the world, and is still happening. The word is horrid. Should it not be used in a book title? The word Eskimo is of its time and place, though many unaware people still use it. The book's subtitle explains the context.
By the way, the launch was a free event, as book launches usually are. It was a fine evening.
Ewan


06 Nov 10 - 09:57 AM (#3025058)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Tim Chesterton

Ewan's use of the phrase 'the Inuit people' illustrates one of the difficulties with using the word 'Inuit'. Since it simply means 'people', to say 'Inuit people' is somewhat redundant. And it gets even stranger when someone assumes it's a singular ('Johnny is an Inuit', which makes Johnny some sort of multiple personality...).


07 Nov 10 - 04:42 AM (#3025745)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Jim McLean

I'm glad the launch was a success, Ewan, and I'm sorry I couldn't be there, it's an excellent, well researched book up to you usual standards. I think it should be clarified that the Glesca Eskimos, as a group, had a political agenda. We were not only anti Polaris but Scottish Republican. I'm glad a platform has been given to show support against anti nuclear and all wars in general but anyone participating in an 'Eskimo' event should remember its aims … an independent, nuclear free, Scottish Republic. No sledge jumpers appreciated! By the way, as the chorus of the Eskimo Republic says, I got my 'six month doss' in the Bar-L.


12 Nov 10 - 09:40 AM (#3030280)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: GUEST,Gallus Moll

Is it the view of ollaimh and NeilD that no-one should ever sing Lord Franklin again, and that Rugby bus groups must refrain from singing a certain song being discussed elsewhere on the forum?
I live near to the Holy Loch which was the main scene of the activities of the 'Glesca Eskimos' and that eponymous song will be part of my repertoire when I sing to a local pensioners' club next week - people for whom that era is part of their history and memories!
It has nothing to do with Eskimo people / Inuit (my Chambers dictionary uses both terms) and everything to do with protesting against the imposition of a nuclear submarine base in a Scottish loch!!


13 Nov 10 - 09:15 AM (#3031020)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Jim McLean

Gallus Moll, we wrote the Eskimo songs to be sung by everyone but the point I was making, possibly clumsily, was that the Eskimo group had a different agenda to the other peace marchers namely Scottish Republicanism as well as anti Polaris. There were some well-known Scottish Folkies who were opposed to anything remotely concerned with Scottish Independence but were happy not only to jump aboard but hijack the Eskimo bandwagon/sledge. Keep singing!


15 Nov 10 - 02:34 PM (#3032852)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: GUEST

Hi Jim,

Sorry to post to this thread but I thought perhaps you'd be monitoring this most recent one to which you contributed. Anyway, I found you while seeking software that can enable the user to whistle a tune and have the sound (hopefully melodic) translated into at least midi but preferably musical notation that a musician could play. Even if it was just solitary notes in sequence with the sustain of each- nothing super fancy like chords, etc. I'm not a musician but I've seen what they call "fake" sheets which is music stripped down to the basics from which a musician can embellish as he plays. I saw your post in which you mentioning your working on such a concept-- to the best of your knowledge has anyone accomplished this. In the day and age of ipod apps (like Ocarina) I picture such a program as an instant bestseller enabling people who have a tune in their head but can only hum or whistle it to become song-writers. Can you imagine the ability to post up an original tune for the whole world to evaluate and perhaps for a musician/songwriter/lyricist to appropriate and for which one could earn the ensuing royalty? The whole concept intrigues me. Any thoughts? Is there a source of talent that could develop this for me that you could recommend?

Any help would be appreciated. Sincerely, Michael Rotolo contact me directly = marotolo (at) g mail (dot) com


15 Nov 10 - 03:03 PM (#3032877)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: John MacKenzie

The Eskimo Republic
Look for some weel ken't faces on the stage. Geordie MacIntyre, Jimmy McGregor, Chris Miles, and others I know but can't put a name to.


16 Nov 10 - 03:16 AM (#3033238)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Anne Neilson

I was at that concert (in the Tron Theatre in Glasgow - date?), and a great event it was too.
Ewan McVicar is the bearded chap with glasses right behind the singer and others on stage included Adam McNaughtan, Bob Blair, Ian Davison, Gordon McCulloch, Enoch Kent, Bobby Campbell, Danny Kyle, Arthur Johnston, Mick Broderick, Ronnie Alexander and Palaver (Aileen Carr, Gordeanna McCulloch, Chris Miles and Maureen Jelks) on the far right.
Sorry I can't help with the musicians on the left of screen - combination of poor memory and poor video quality!


16 Nov 10 - 10:32 AM (#3033528)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Sandy Mc Lean

Often political correctness is applied retroactively to a time when meanings and intent were different. Nobody should be offended by the word "Eskimo" as used here by a few "Gay Scotchmen"! :-}


16 Nov 10 - 11:50 AM (#3033581)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Jim McLean

Ewan McVicar wrote in his book "Jim McLean was Morris Blythman's principal fellow song-writer". Nigel Denver was, along with Josh MacRae, the leading singer in the 'Eskimo' group. I have been asked why we were not in that concert as we were, along with Marion Blythman, the only original members of the group still living (Marion was at the concert). The simple answer is that we were not asked. The organiser of the show was politically opposed to our Independent Scottish Republican views and the co-host was Jimmie Macgregor, MBE. 'Nuff said!

In answer to Guest Michael Rotolo above, I designed and produced a voice recognition system for which I was awarded a prize by Middlesex University's Electronic Engineering department. Whistling a tune into a microphone produced an on-screen top line that could be printed and I will email you, Michael, the details. I was told by the examiner to copyright it immediately but the challenge of making the machine was enough for me. That was over 20 years ago and I'm sure there must be something commercially available out there by now.


16 Nov 10 - 06:08 PM (#3033888)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Jon Bartlett

Dick Greenhaus, is CAMSCO going to carry this excellent book? Or should I order it direct from UK?

Jon Bartlett


17 Nov 10 - 06:06 AM (#3034181)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: John MacKenzie

Never mind Jim. Just remember that Jimmy MacGregor is the man who took the Golden Cagoule seriously.
What street cred? :)


17 Nov 10 - 08:43 AM (#3034283)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: TheSnail

Thurso being the farthest North town and Berwick the farthest South in Scotland.

Eh?!


21 Nov 10 - 12:20 PM (#3037393)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: dick greenhaus

CAMSCO is working with Ewan McVicar to make the CD-R of the book available in the States. Watch this space.


21 Nov 10 - 05:20 PM (#3037599)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Gallus Moll

Hi snail,
just looked at a map and realised that I've been perpetuating the story that was told to me when I was young without using logic or knowledge -!
I am sure someone who was actually there and involved will correct my misconception soon - -- ? Please?!


22 Nov 10 - 04:43 PM (#3038207)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: andymac

I see Finlay Allison on stage there too.

It was a fabulous night...

Andymac


22 Nov 10 - 04:56 PM (#3038218)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Jack Campin

Thurso being the farthest North town and Berwick the farthest South in Scotland.
Eh?!


We're working on it.


22 Nov 10 - 04:57 PM (#3038219)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Gallus Moll

Hi again snail,

I have it on excellent authority that:   

'Morris Blythman took the name Thurso Berwick as a representation of Scotland as a whole -- - he felt it was a snappy pseudonym -- - and avoided the cult of personality'

Hindsight lets us see that there were writers who never received due credit for their works -- -- - what do others think?


22 Nov 10 - 05:06 PM (#3038227)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: TheSnail

Jack Campin

We're working on it.

Border politics apart, it'll take a lot of digging. Maybe Thurso Kirkcudbright doesn't trip off the tongue so easily.


22 Nov 10 - 05:50 PM (#3038249)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: GUEST,EKanne

I'm informed that Berwick has changed hands between England and Scotland 13 times (suggesting that it was originally English), so maybe Morris was making a declaration of intent when he chose his pseudonym!
And Berwick Rangers FC plays in the Scottish Football League -- coming home?


22 Nov 10 - 06:28 PM (#3038282)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Jim McLean

Quite a few poets in the 30s and 40s took Scottish pseudonyms: Jimmy Miller became Ewan McColl, Christopher Murray Grieve became Huch McDiarmid and Morrris Blythman chose Thurso Berwick so there was an added reason for Morris to choose such a soubriquet. Also, if the truth be known, Morris was born in England.


22 Nov 10 - 06:30 PM (#3038284)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Jim McLean

PS officially Morris's birth place is given as Inverkeithing!


23 Nov 10 - 05:20 AM (#3038517)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Jim McLean

I think I should clarify my recent confusing posts! I meant that Morris's pseudonym was 'born' in England as Berwick is officially an English town. I remember Marion Blythman saying that when first married their house was owned by a lady called Berwick and sometimes letters would arrive for Morris as 'Thurso Berwick' (he had already taken the name Thurso). However Morris himself said his pseudonym 'encompassed' Scotland.


23 Nov 10 - 05:46 AM (#3038528)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: GUEST,Ewan McVicar

Other interesting Scotland-encompassing possibilities offer themselves. I am thinking of adopting the writing name of
Crammag Norwick, or maybe I'll make it more familiarised?
From Crammie Norrie


23 Nov 10 - 09:14 AM (#3038634)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Gallus Moll

Rockall Boddam?


23 Nov 10 - 09:23 AM (#3038638)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: GUEST,Ewan McVicar

Oddly enough, I rejected RB as too rude in an oblique way.
Kilda Fishwick? [Works if you're a Corrie fan, except that in this place Corrie has two irreconcilable references.]
Crammie


23 Nov 10 - 11:10 AM (#3038697)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: John MacKenzie

Muckle Tweed


23 Nov 10 - 04:54 PM (#3038955)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Gallus Moll

- to the pure all things are pure - - I naively thought Rockall Boddam kinda sounded like spme heavy rock guitarist from the late 60s / early 70s - did the second name remind you of Glutaeals?!


23 Nov 10 - 05:26 PM (#3038976)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: John MacKenzie

Dunnet Carter?


23 Nov 10 - 06:07 PM (#3039006)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: GUEST,EWan McVicar

Surely it would be Carter Dunnet - my American neighbour has a son called Carter. Rockall Boddam suggests to me a man who has nothing to restrain his trousers from descending.
Crammie


24 Nov 10 - 07:30 AM (#3039408)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Gallus Moll

-then he is obviously in need of - GALLUSES!!!!


24 Nov 10 - 12:54 PM (#3039622)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: GUEST,Crammie Norrie

Nice wan!
I retire, defeated!


24 Nov 10 - 06:50 PM (#3039901)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Gallus Moll

Naw Ewan - I mean Crammie, dinna dae that!
Ca' it a draw, and live to fight anither day - -!!!! We NEED you - -- !


09 Dec 10 - 12:18 PM (#3049729)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: John MacKenzie

Excellent programme on Radio4 this morning, called 'The Eskimos and the Mushroom Cloud'. All about the anti Polaris protest at the Holy Loch in the 60s, along with snatches of various relevant songs.
Available on Listen again here.


09 Dec 10 - 12:49 PM (#3049754)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Jim McLean

I'm sorry to disagree with you John. As I said in a previous pot ' ... I think it should be clarified that the Glesca Eskimos, as a group, had a political agenda. We were not only anti Polaris but Scottish Republican. I'm glad a platform has been given to show support against anti nuclear and all wars in general but anyone participating in an 'Eskimo' event should remember its aims … an independent, nuclear free, Scottish Republic'.

The program this morning was very wish washy and a total disappointment. No mention of a Mushroom Cloud ... more magic mushrooms I guess.


09 Dec 10 - 12:59 PM (#3049765)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: John MacKenzie

Well yes, I know where you are coming from on this, and I largely agree. However it was nice to hear the songs again, albeit piecemeal, and mainly incomplete.


10 Dec 10 - 03:46 AM (#3050180)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: GUEST,Ewan McVicar

Having tried hard to brief the programme researcher, I thought I should explain what I found wrong with the programme.
The title was very misleading, it was in fact more about the old and newer inhabitants of Dunoon with a good bit less about CND protesters, with a lot of song snippets. [Some of these were much less relevant and accurate re period than others. John Lee Hooker on the 1961 Dunoon juke boxes? Really?]
The key singer interviewed was not only not a Eskimo in the programme's sense, he was and is politically opposed to what the Eskimos stood, and marched, and sat down, and sang, for. To have him singing solo unintentially made the point of his lack of involvement with the Eskimos. As I recall he himself made no mention of the Eskimos.
It was good that Marion Blythman was interviewed, but that none of the other Eskimos were named, even when their voices were heard singing, was for me insulting to them. Crucially, I got no sense that the Eskimos were a grouping, who wrote and sang in a communal manner. From what I heard the Eskimos were presented as all of the CND protesters, singing songs all composed by Morris Blythman.
The researcher knew from the material I gave her what the actual case was, so the misrepresentation was through choice rather than ignorance.
I've been involved in too many media presentations to be very surprised, but I am truly disappointed in the programme makers.


10 Dec 10 - 06:38 AM (#3050242)
Subject: RE: Eskimo Republic Political Song Book
From: Ed Jones

I agree with Ewan McVicar and Jim MacLean that the programme's title was misleading. There was a bit of lip service paid to the 'Eskimos' but the piece on a young precocious Dunoon girl's marriage to an American sailor and plenty of American pop music left me wondering why the title was chosen. If the producer/reporter had read Ewan's book, which I doubt, they were just sticking two fingers up at the anti-polaris movement. Speaking to the American ex sailor and Gordon MacCulloch was meant to mirror the meetings of German and British soldiers after the war. This was more like Popeye meets Donald MacDuck.