I’m getting a lot of e-mail about this posting. So far, this is is the letter I’ve liked best:
I’m always a little amused when I catch someone–including myself–lamenting
the supposed demise of “common culture.” I think we all feel a sense of loss
when younger generations don’t recognize things we thought were important
and lasting when we were their age. But we tend to take for granted the
amazing amount that does get passed on. I’d bet, for instance, that a higher
percentage of college kids recognize “West End Blues” today than in
1978…or 1938.
I’d also bet that a very high percentage of contemporary high school kids
could recognize over half of Levitin’s list–probably way more than half if
even a little prompting was provided.
This is just anecdotal evidence, but about five years ago on a trip to the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I heard a class of black second graders on a
field trip provide perfect, spontaneous accompaniment for the Isley Brothers
“Who’s That Lady” when it came over the loudspeakers. Later the same day I
saw two twelve-year-old white girls walking along singing “Stop In The Name
of Love” and doing those old Supremes’ hand motions while they walked.
Granted those kids were in a museum, which implies that somebody cared about
passing this stuff on, but then again, most kids have SOMEBODY in their life
who fills that function. In the case of pop music, the general culture helps
out more than usual, but even in areas like literature, painting, etc. it
happens a lot more than we think.
On the other hand, if somebody actually could kill off common culture, it
would be the sort of person who is asked to explain rock and roll with six
records and uses one of his picks on “Wonderful Tonight.”
(…Though I would love to know which record or six “explained” Elvis to the
octogenarian scientist and therefore placed him well beyond the level of
collective understanding thus far obtained by three generations of rock
critics.)
Anyway, long time reader who’s never e-mailed before. It’s a fun topic so I
hope you get lots of feedback.
How nice to find a ray of hope in my mailbox!