Guest guest Posted July 29, 2000 Report Share Posted July 29, 2000 One crying need that I think I see in the vegetarian community (and vegetarian movement) is its lack of a " musical culture " which binds us all together. Many vegetarians are NOT old enough to remember the various social and political movements of " the Sixties " , although many people DO try to RECREATE the vegetarian communities and movements in its image. That cannot be done, I believe, unless we have MUSIC to " bind us together " . Here's my argument. Every social and political movement that has EVER succeeded has enjoyed a musical culture which served its visions and values to the supporters and to the world at large, like a large abundant bowl of nectar poured generously - to overflowing - into the basin of thirsty culture. Religion has, to a large extent, I believe, survived because the arts have served the visions it communicates. The anti-war protests of " the Sixties " grew because there were protest lyrics. In addition, we have something different here in the vegetarian movement. I believe that the attempt to make the vegetarian movement a protest movement are wrong-headed UNTIL the basic vision has been communicated successfully. That vision includes the desirability of plant-based diets, perhaps WITHOUT using the words 'vegetarian' or 'vegan'. While historically there ARE musicians who have been vegetarian, most 'historical studies' merely show pop entertainers, a far cry from the classical composer or the great mind who, like Beethoven, could craft a symphony in his deafness. Yet popular music, it is, that the vegetarian communities need, and I suggest that we begin with the work of vegetarian popular musicians like Raffi (environmental and children's entertainer, reputed to be vegan) The 5-A-Day collection used widely in public schools Jennifer Schwirzer - all health-conscious sons, like " Fiber, Come Back " (we want something to chew) " Look at that Cow in the Barnyard " " Coffee's Not My Cup of Tea " " Ballad of a Vegetarian " etc. And see whether or not we COULD develop a real SONGBOOK for use in homeschooling, vegetarian societies, rallies, conferences, gatherings, etc. and in private use (hey - what do I sing while I'm working) and in small groups, or while traveling? Can you imaging a group of vegetarians driving along bursting out into song, singing " Look at that cow in the barnyard, The big hulky cow eating hay. Well, if all she eats Is grass hay and wheats, How does she grow that way? They say I need meat to be healthy, But I think they told me a lie. Just look at that cow in the barnyard. ....etc... Remember the ape in the jungle... .... They say I need meat to be healthy, But I think they told me a lie. Remember the ape in the jungle... ....fifty times stronger than I Mrs. Giraffe has a secret for living in simplicity. McDonald's is NOT where she takes her tots. She just takes them out to the tree. {You see, understanding MUST be communicated in song.} Maynard S. Clark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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