When I read Andrea Domanick’s review of Immortal Technique’s performance in Tuesday’s Argus, I was struck by the author’s cynical attitude towards not only the artist she was critiquing, but the audience as well. Domanick found it “awkward” and “questionable” that the audience was made up of “predominantly white, shaggy-haired hipster kids.” Since when do race and physical appearance determine what kind of music we are allowed to listen to? According to Domanick’s logic, it would be “awkward” and “questionable” for a black person to enjoy the work of Sylvia Plath or Jorge Luis Borges. Not all white people listen to indie rock, and not all black people listen to hip-hop. Some people actually listen to indie rock AND hip-hop in addition to other genres of music regardless of their race.
It would be simplistic and silly for anyone to say that Wesleyan students would, by attending one day of lecture and performance, have all of the answers to the world’s problems. But why can’t we be inspired? Are complacence and apathy preferable reactions to political dialogue?
It is irrefutable that we attend a small, elitist institution with a predominantly white student body and faculty. But despite its shortcomings, Wesleyan is a nurturing place in which you can find people who share your interests, no matter how mainstream or un-mainstream they may be. Should you choose to engage in this community, you will become exposed to music, art, and ideas that are new and fascinating. It’s ok to enjoy those “minimal tight beats” without entering a downward spiral of self-indulgent irony.
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