How easy it is to criticise and point the finger when reviewing the past and ignoring its context, mores & traits.
Yes, there are thousand of lyrics, novels, stories, articles, poems, newscasts, academic papers, government documents and more, that contain words, phrases, names & sentiments that, today, many would consider to be inappropriate.
Yes, it is also useful for us to be aware of changes in acceptability and appropriateness as we learn to accept and value, rather than demean and ridicule difference, and to respect all for their worth rather than focusing primarily on their faults or flaws.
However, in all of the cases mentioned, I suggest that much more pleasure and even joy was given by those songs than harm done by them and that those responsible were not ntentionally setting out to demean or harm. I also suggest that these examples of their work represent a miniscule portion of their total output, which should also be taken into account.
Subtle conditioning in society is certainly a dangerous thing but in most of these cases there is little subtlety. If we are to draw substantial attention to major discriminating and abusive stereotyping inherent in language use I suggest that far more dangerous examples continue to be overlooked and, in fact, continue to be applauded by the majority with barely a hint of opposition.
Enid Blyton's books, for instance, are replete with appalling stereotypes, includingracism, sexism, elitism and more. In addition, despite her profilic output she uses a vocabulary of only approximately 400 words across its totality. Yet Blyton's stories are still widely fed to young children whilst in their most vulnerable and formative years.
The Thomas the Tank Engine series of Rev. Audry provides a similar example of appallingly poor quality material that models highly inappropriate stereotypes to chlldren.
I could provide many more examples and not only in children's literature but my point is, I hope, made. I don't disagree with any of the dissent or concerns reported in this article but do suggest that those who are disturbed by it ought to look much more widely at the poor modelling present within our society in what passes for art or entertainment of all forms in our society and particular that which is aimed at those of an age at which their views and understanding of the world and social norms are still at a formative stage.
Yes, as adults, most if not all of us continue to learn and grow but they reach adult-hood with imprinted notions gleaned from the models with which they are presented in childhood.
it is clear from the extent to which pornography is consumed; the poor & disadvantaged are exploited; 'respectable' business, church & government & sporting notables are found to be corrupt, abusive and/or criminal; and ther existence of an insatiable appetite for puerile reality tv and expletive ridden, sickly sexually inuendo ridden stand-up 'comedy'; that our society is ill-adjusted.
These aged lyrics that now seem clearly inappropriate, just as does the 'Black & white minstrel show' and the 'Golliwog', so beloed of so many in the past, are perhaps the least of which we ought to be concerned.
Then again, I'm just a CHAV from the slums, so what would I know?
