Interesting discussion (for a change) taking place on Salsacity forum about whether Mikey P saying that Latin Americans are better at running Latin nights is racist. Hugh thinks it isn't, El Diablito (Stevie from Salsamania) thinks it is. Of course, this being an interesting discussion Hugh has now closed the thread, so I thought I'd put my twopence worth in here.
I can understand Stevie, as a successful and hard-working salsa promoter, objecting to Mikey P's original comment - and I believe it's factually wrong anyway - but I would disagree that it was racist. I think the argument is not that Latinos have an innate superiority where it comes to Latin music and dance, but more that they are culturally more familiar with it - and that, to my view, isn't a racist argument.
3 comments:
Hi,
I was directed to your sight by someone who thought I might find your post of interest regarding my recent comments on the Salsa Cardiff website.
Has the post really been removed?
Although it's nice to have mostly positive pleasant and fluffy comments on a forum about Salsa! I think removing what was clearly a reasonable response to MP's post and as far as I can tell within the rules set by the administrator, was a little foolish because as you say these debates do make for more interesting reading.
I make the point that I believe his remark to be technically racist (not that he is a racist) because MP's argument was not that, Latinos are culturally more familiar with Latin music and dance but simply that "Latinos always" do a better job.
I think the argument as to whether or not the statement is racist could go either way (and would depend on his reasoning for making it) but I think it was well worth challenging the statement either way.
I did say in my post anyhow, that he 'might' ... be just a little bit racist.
I agree that Latinos do have a clear advantage as you and others have pointed out and often do a better job, but not always.
We always have a good percentage of Latinos at our club nights and we are not Latin.
Most of the Latinos I know, would disagree with MP's statement I'm sure.
No, the post hasn't been removed, he's just stopped anyone else posting on the same topic.
I appreciate your point - in fact Saturday at La Tasca, one of the most popular nights for the Latin crowd in Cardiff, isn't run by a Latin American.
What I have noticed here is that the Spanish-speaking contingent tend to take salsa a bit less seriously and mix their music and dancing styles a lot more than the purist salsa crowd. Which is good, except that I have no idea how to do bachata, I look constipated if I try to do lambada, and my merengue is embarrassing...
Looks like I misunderstood the removal point ... still I don't see why the thread couldn't continue to run.
I see we appreciate each other’s point of view and it seems neither would wish to stifle debate.
I was thinking you don't have to be Greek to stage theatre about Greek myths And legends ... the company that staged the opening ceremony for the 2004 Olympic games was British (not that being British is important) and not as you might expect a Greek company.
You don't have to be British to play great football as most foreigners do. And it is widely recognised that the modern game originated in Britain.
Once you have the canvas on which to paint no matter what the subject matter you can add your own unique colours to something that all can still recognise.
On your final point ... i.e. the ability to recognise and dance correctly some of the other Latin club dances.
My attitude toward Salsa is that it is just part of the rich tapestry that is Latin Music and in most of the Americas, North & South it is played and enjoyed in a club environment. Most of the Latins I've met have a real passion for it, but they don't take it quite as seriously as most Brits.
I tend towards the Latin way of enjoying it and subsequently try to run the Club nights I promote that way.
I put it like this ... We run a Latin Club 'oh yeh and by the way we also have lessons'
That is my approach where as many Brits (not all) would say … we run Salsa lessons 'oh yeh and by the way there is a practice dance afterwards.
Some (again not all) of the punters think it is about learning the moves impressing people and moving up the pecking order. Instead of simply enjoying the Party.
You sound level headed to me and so I wouldn't worry about your prowess on the floor with any particular dance or how you look whilst practising it. Cause in reality few people if any are watching and if they are they're missing the point ... and the Party
Finally ... there are professional salsa dancers and club salsa dancers and in the ten years I've been in this business I can honestly say I've met very few professional salsa dancers.
Get my drift.
Cheers,
Stevie.
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