If I were a racist...
- Nate Holder
- Jul 8, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 16, 2024
If I were a racist,
I'd teach children that talking about music means,
Texture, timbre and tempo.
If you can't use these words,you're not a musician.
If I were a racist,
I'd teach reggae music and Bob Marley,
'Stir It Up', but never 'War'.
I might even mention marijuana.
If I were a racist,
I'd insist that all music was taught from notation,
Removing all the nuances
That paper could ever express.
If I were a racist,
I'd teach 'African' drumming.
Because of course,
Africa is a country.
If I were a racist,
I'd teach that the Great Composers were
Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn and Bach, Not Miles Davis, Florence Price, Alice Coltrane and J Dilla.
If I were a racist,
I'd make sure that Gospel, Blues and Jazz,
Were always taught,
As music created by slaves.
If I were a racist,
I'd call all non-white music
'World Music'
After all, it's them and us.
If I were a racist,
I'd ignore that Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Bach
And the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade
Happened at the same time.
If I were a racist,
I'd make sure that violins and pianos
Were seen as more important,
Than Steel pans, tablas and digeridoos.
If I were a racist,
I'd teach 'African' songs,
Without knowing what they mean,
Or where they were really from.
If I were a racist,
I'd standardise everything –
You're either in tune,
Or you're out. Literally.
If I were a racist,
I'd have posters of me on the walls and in the books.
No black or brown faces,
Just my own.
If I were a racist,
I'd make you think including one brown face,
Would be enough.
Diversity. Inclusion.
If I were a racist,
I'd be fine with all white exam boards, And all white teaching staff,
And study all white musicians.
If I were a racist,
I would insist that children learn western music notation,
Forgetting that many civilisations,
Flourished without it for centuries.
If I were a racist,
I'd put up black squares,
And messages about standing together.
Then never invest in anti-racism training for my staff.
If I were a racist,
I wouldn't address outdated policies
Or really let black and brown people
feel safe enough to speak on their experiences.
If I were a racist,
I'd know that,
Even though the notes may be black,
The spaces would remain white.
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A meaningful message that encourages broader perspectives, deeper understanding, and greater appreciation for the richness of global music and culture.