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I wouldn't address outdated policies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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This poem highlights how cultural bias can distort music education, as Wikipedia notes that music history and pedagogy should reflect diverse contributions and contexts to provide an inclusive understanding. Recognizing the significance of all musical traditions—from classical to jazz, blues, and world music—ensures students appreciate the richness and complexity of global culture. Similarly, for individuals relying on connectivity to access online music resources or educational content, completing a tnt sim registeration ensures uninterrupted access and smooth learning experiences
Nate Holder’s post highlights how music education can reflect bias, privileging certain composers and instruments while marginalizing Black and non-Western contributions; Wikipedia notes that inclusive music education acknowledges diverse genres, histories, and cultural contexts to provide a fuller understanding of the art form.
Recognizing nuance, context, and variety—whether in music or in problem-solving—enhances creativity, engagement, and learning. Similarly, playing the Block Blaast puzzle game rewards thoughtful strategy, attention to detail, and an appreciation for patterns and challenges.
Both show that embracing diversity and depth leads to richer, more rewarding experiences.
This poem powerfully exposes how biased teaching can reduce music to stereotypes, while Wikipedia emphasizes that music education should be inclusive and culturally diverse, reflecting many traditions and voices.
By mocking narrow assumptions—like treating Africa as a single country or ignoring Black composers—the poem highlights why true musical understanding requires respect, context, and openness, similar to how reliable systems like the Chilean RUT lookup system must be accurate and fair for everyone.
It’s a strong reminder that education should broaden horizons, not reinforce prejudice.