It continually amazes me that, despite our numerous (and serious) flaws, we are still the dominant species on this planet!
A friend recently commented that she did not like the band Queen. Being a lover of Queen, I was rather surprised. Of course I recognize that not everybody is going to share my taste in everything, including music, but Queen? They had such a broad repertoire.
I sent her one of my favourite Queen tracks (“Teo Torriatte”), and she was rather surprised that it was Queen. (“Have to say you shocked me with that song. I really liked it.”). This was followed by “Love of My Life” and “Is this The World We Created”. The latter received the comment “Oh gosh! Is this really Queen?”
Clearly I could have sent some rather different tracks, but my intent was to convince myself that she really did not like Queen. Some of you may remember that I did a Post, sometime ago now, which was based around my hearing some lovely guitar work, as a song introduction, coming from a passing pickup truck. A brief shouted dialogue with the driver determined that it was the introduction to Metallica’s “Fade to Black”. I loved it … but I have never liked Metallica!
That same scenario can (unfortunately) be applied to so many other circumstances. My first experience with racism here in Canada was anti-English. I was told “You can always tell an Englishman, because you can’t tell him anything!” As offensive as I found that comment (being English myself), I would suggest that we all do it. “Do it” being forming opinions based on minimal information. I would suggest that the anti-English comment was based on an experience with one arrogant Englishman.
That same scenario can be applied to all races, all colours etc. etc. There are some excellent French chefs, but are all French people excellent chefs? Of course not. In one of my volunteer positions in the 1980s, I worked alongside a doctor from Pakistan and we got to know each other quite well. I learned that he had a good sense of humour and was an excellent and compassionate doctor. Are all people from Pakistan just like that doctor? Of course not!
My point is hopefully pretty obvious. We should never base opinions on people, or music, from a limited experience of same. Not only is it totally illogical, but it is grossly unfair when applied to people … and you can even miss out on so much good music!
Perhaps the next time we meet an odd character, we can tell ourselves that the person was not representative of their culture, and keep an open mind. Next time may be so rewarding.
Perhaps the next time we meet a professional in (e.g.) the health profession, who leaves us wondering whether they know what they are doing, we should keep an open mind. Our next encounter with a health professional may just save our life.
Perhaps the next time we meet a teenager who grunts and rolls their eyes as a communication technique, we should keep an open mind. The next teenager we meet could just be the most courteous person we meet all day.
Finally, the next time you hear something that is apparently music, but totally alien to your personal preferences, keep an open mind. You just heard one song! Perhaps you will like some of their other songs?
I was thinking that all bigots employ stereotypes. But then I wondered if perhaps that’s just been my personal experience with bigots, and that maybe there are some who don’t do that. I’m going to have to keep my mind open about this.
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When one’s mind is open, a lot of good things can fall into it! 🙂
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Conversely, when one’s mind is closed, nothing can fall into it.
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Exactly! It can’t learn new things.
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Unless it’s raining marbles.
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Ooh well now I know how the marbles got in your brain and Colin’s too. 😄
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Maybe that’s why I have cat eyes.
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As I have quoted in various Blogs over the years (wisdom from a park bench resident) – “The key to a healthy and happy life is to keep your mind full and your bowels empty. Trouble is, so many people get it the wrong way round.”
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Those are substantive words to digest.
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🙂
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Just curious. I know you like a lot of Country music, being that you were a deejay, and I know you mentioned some rock groups that my husband likes as well, but do you like Queen?
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Yep. I have their Greatest Hits album. Or were you referring to Queen Elizabeth?
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No, not the Queen of the England. Shaking my head.
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Good points. But it’s seems inconceivable to come across someone who doesn’t like Queen, one of the most talented rock & roll bands of all time. 😆
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Totally agree Monika. I must assume her experience of Queen was of some of their “more challenging” recordings. As she follows my Blog, perhaps she will explain the situation that turned off Queen for her?
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Maybe you can eventually bring her into the “fold.” Freddie Mercury has one of the most astounding voices in musician-hood. His range is off the charts versatile. 🤞🏼
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We shall see! 🙂
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Welllll…..my mind has been changed now. ☺
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🙂
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Yay! Welcome to the land of Queen. 🕺🏼🎸
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🙂
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LOL! Thank you! 😉
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Your words go well beyond music. They can be applied to virtually any scenario. If only!!!
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Exactly. Now if only that message could circulate the world, and if only people would listen and apply what they hear! 🙂
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🙏
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There are several bands that I only liked one song they did. I haven’t heard a Queen song I didn’t like. Not all are my favs but I still liked them. Quick global judgments are something we do all the time. I too can’t figure out why we are the dominate species. One day we are going to kill ourselves with our selfishness and power hunger.
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Hi Kate. Re your last sentence. We were having similar discussions here recently. Thankfully, we don’t expect it to be in our lifetime, (Trump may change that!) but I wouldn’t want to be around in the 2050+ area. 🙂
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We learn nothing from history.
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Isn’t that fascinating? History should surely be our biggest teacher, and yet we never seem to learn from it. 😦
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