The arts are supposed to be good for our culture. Classical music, we hear, makes people smarter, and also teaches (or at least encourages) tolerance, curiosity, and critical thinking.
So why did major league baseball have its first black player in 1947, while nobody black sang a leading role at the Metropolitan Opera till 1955?
Just asking. Maybe we should teach baseball — or at least baseball history — in schools, instead of the arts.


Recent Comments
Greg Sandow on Good news from Toronto
Thanks! It's wonderful to have this corroboration. I'm sure Peter Oundjian is a crucial part of the Symphony's success.Greg Sandow on Philharmonic clarification
Christina, when the Philharmonic played in Lewisohn Stadium, they didn't have any marketing department. Or any corporate sponsors. Those things...D Shapiro on Good news from Toronto
As a subscriber, and a parent of a 29-year-old, I can provide a little insight. My daughter is fairly typical...Christina Jensen on Philharmonic clarification
If that is true, it's unlikely any publicists were involved, but rather marketing departments and corporate sponsorship folks. http://nyphil.org/support/corporate_benefits.cfmJon Silpayamanant on Good news from Toronto
Some classical music institutions attract a young audience by lowering ticket prices, but then they need funding to offset the...