Re: mikis theodorakis

[Alex J. Lubet <lubet001...>]

I have no intention of keeping this thread going and also disclaim
responsibility for going off-topic.  As grim as the political implications of
art can be, they're still appropriate and even essential components of the
discourse about culture.  I've devoted a substantial part of my career to
contemplating the social implications of aesthetic production and, as long as
it's connected to matters musical and Jewish, I think it belongs.  It's
unavoidable that such discussions will surface again because they're an
unavoidable part of musical and Jewish life.

It's been my observation that even the most materially impoverished people
insist on having some kind of expressive sonic discouse that we in the West
would consider music (even if they don't).  It must be something close to a
basic human need, in which case it's inevitable that it would become
political/social capital.



Ari Davidow wrote:

>  > There will always be antisemites and people filled with hate; it's
> > > important that we try to keep them on the fringes and not let their
> > > ideas predominate.
> >
> >I agree with this sentiment wholeheartedly; however, it needs to be
> >applied to hate on all sides, not only to hate which is directed AT the
> >Jews.
>
> I think that Mel has already suggested that while we can heartily agree on
> the responsibility of musicians to speak out when antisemitism is
> encountered, there will be many instances where perceptions as to what is
> actual antisemitism will differ. I would hope that we can agree on the
> general without arguing out each specific. This list is definitely not the
> place to work that out. It is an important question, but not one for this
> forum.
>
> If that can be taken offline to private e-mail, it will be much appreciated.
>
> ari
>
> Ari Davidow
> ari (at) ivritype(dot)com
> list owner, jewish-music (at) shamash(dot)org
> the klezmer shack: http://www.klezmershack.com/
>

--
Alex Lubet, Ph. D.
Morse Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor of Music and Jewish Studies
Adjunct Professor of American Studies
University of Minnesota
2106 4th St. S
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612 624-7840 612 624-8001 (fax)


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