Name and Country |
Do you consider that there are ethical issues when a non-Aboriginal person wants to play traditional Aboriginal styles on the didgeridoo? |
Please share your view on the possible ethical issues of playing traditional styles |
| Nicole from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Many might center on worship as all people have an innate need to worship some higher power...Interesting concept to think about. |
| Nigel Mason from United Kingdom |
There might be ethical issues |
It's hard to say there are no ethical issues as if it offends one aboriginal person then it becomes an ethical issue. in what I have read and listened to as long as a player I do not pretend that I am following a particular belief which I do not hold just to appear 'interesting' to the listener then playing different styles educates and creates interest and hopefully does not offend. |
| Anonymous |
I do not know |
I don't know of any |
| Oliver Kask from Estonia |
There might be ethical issues |
These secrets of playing traditional styles has deep meaning to Aboriginal probably it would be odd when someone plays instrument without knowing deep meaning of these sounds. |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
If playing the didgeridoo is reserved for some people in the Dreaming Laws then a non-aboriginal playing traditional style might be felt as an offense. |
| Anonymous from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Need to hear what the Aborigines think |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I think the interest for traditional playing will be stronger if there are a wider knowledge and interest in playing contemporary. The more people know the bigger will the interest in traditions become |
| Pamela from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Don't think there are any |
| Pamela from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Reverence of play |
| Patrice Mahoney from Australia |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
Traditional means you have that tradition if you don't them don't try and play something that's not your's to play and understand learn from people listen and gain the knowledge right way by respecting cultures tradition you're respecting the Yidaki (didj). |
| Anonymous from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I can understand if the people in the culture want to keep it to only people from that culture. I am not sure if it would be different if someone outside of the culture had a genuine desire to learn and understand the spiritual aspects of the practice. |
| Patrick from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I am concerned that the Didgeridoo could become commercialized and its use as a traditional aboriginal instrument could be lost and only thought of as an artifact of history. |
| Paul De Bono from Malta |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
Traditional playing should be the realm of Aboriginal people as it is a part of their culture which I consider sacred. I find objection that non Aboriginals copy traditional styles without even understanding what the music actually signifies. There is a danger ancient traditional songs and rhythms are corrupted by non aboriginal players with the consequences they are lost forever. |
| Anonymous |
I do not know |
Don't know |
| Paul from United Kingdom |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Not really sure |
| Paul from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
In many civilizations many of their customs and traditions if carried out by other persons could cause ethical issues. |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
I am not really sure of the definition of traditional style I don't know. |
| Peter from United Kingdom |
There might be ethical issues |
As with anything respect is needed when doing things that are linked to a culture other than yours |
| Peter from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
The fact that the question is being asked makes me wonder if there are ethical issues related to the spiritual meaning of playing the didgeridoo. I honestly do not know the answer to that. |
| Ralph from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I would never want to offend or degraded any traditional concept. A proper respect should always be in order for the gift of a Didjes magic. |
| Randy from USA |
I do not know |
I'm currently unaware of any such issues but interested in learning more. |
| Raymond Wouters from Belgium |
There might be ethical issues |
Dat weet ik ook niet |
| Richard from USA |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
I imagine that since the didge is their (the Aborigine's) instrument they have special ways to play it that hold a certain meaning. When others start playing these traditional tunes without knowing their true meaning and purpose it's almost like (if not actually is) stealing. something sacred |
| Richard from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Non-Aborigines could never do justice to the traditional style |
| Richard from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I don't know |
| Riley from USA |
I do not know |
I feel as though the Aborigines would be offended. knowing that someone had taken their native instrument and taken away its original purpose. but for a lot of people around the world the didj is used for the same spiritual reasons. |
| Riley from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I believe that if the aboriginal people are in fact selling their didges internationally and they HAVE given consent that those people can play however they want. |
| Rita from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
May be considered mocking a religion |
| Rob from USA |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
As a non-Aboriginal person it seems presumptuous for me to play traditional styles without more involvement in and understanding of Aboriginal communities. |
| Anonymous |
I do not know |
I really don't know |
| Robert from USA |
I do not know |
No views |
| Robert Remington from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Lack of respect for the Aboriginal culture and players. |
| Robert from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
If it is a tribal instrument with sacred roles then perhaps there are ethical issues. I'm not aware of them. |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
N/a |
| Anonymous from USA |
I do not know |
I have no clue |
| Ron from Canada |
There might be ethical issues |
I think freedom of speech musical expression etc should not be frowned upon. I can understand how true traditional players might take offence to someone encroaching upon their territory like white Rappers perhaps:) |
| Ron Lankford from USA |
I do not know |
Whatever the real cultural beliefs are should be respected if possible by non-culture people. |
| Anonymous from Australia |
No, there are no ethical issues |
A issue might be the fact that some styles are from a certain family or tribe therefore an 'outsider' playing might be considered disrespectful. |
| Rual from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
N/a |
| Anonymous from Austria |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Music does not belong to a ethnic. |
| Anonymous from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Some people are uptight about their culture being explored by Others |
| Scott from USA |
I do not know |
Music should be shared not owned by anyone or tribe |
| Anonymous from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
If a player is honest about their mimicry- it's acceptable. |
| Serah from Canada |
No, there are no ethical issues |
If one is willing to understand and respect native traditions and their spirit they should play it with greatest respect. |
| Shannon from USA |
I do not know |
Completely unaware that there would be issue from playing a particular style but I curious to learn other view points. |
| Shaun from Australia |
I do not know |
I think there might be an issue with a non-Aboriginal saying they play in the traditional style. As it is connected to a lot more i.e the story telling of the dreaming etc which is an Aborigine tradition. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I do not know |
I do not know |
| Anonymous from New Zealand |
There might be ethical issues |
I'm not sure. |
| Steffen from Germany |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
Traditional playing includes religious themes. I'm had a big respect of the aboriginal Religion and Tradition. That's not for white Fellas! |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I suppose that the act of didgeridoo probably is very symbolic and meaningful to certain clans around Australia and a non-Aboriginal participating in this sacred act may be insulting. |
| Stephanie from USA |
I do not know |
As a woman I know there is a lot of question and controversy surrounding us playing. |
| Stephen Barton from New Zealand |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
It good that the aboriginals pass on their music to others but a shame that others try to play it out of context for what it was originally meant. Use the sounds and styles but not copy the actual traditional sound/story to play where it was not intended. Keep it sacred to its events. |
| Stephen from USA |
I do not know |
Don't know. |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
Lack of understanding / knowledge of the background to some of the Traditional tunes i.e. used for spiritual ceremonies which should be respected |
| Steven from USA |
I do not know |
At this time none |
| Susan from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I suppose an aboriginal might consider the songs sacred however I believe music of any sort to be universal |
| Anonymous |
I do not know |
I certainly wouldn't want to impede on a cultural issue. As an instrument I would love the opportunity to learn how to play. |
| Tanya Devine from Canada |
I do not know |
I think that to play traditional you would need the songs of ceremony and to get them you would need someone to teach you and if someone feels they would like to teach you to play traditional songs through the didj then it would be ok... |
| Taylor from USA |
I do not know |
I suppose the ethical issues would come up if the aboriginal people have issues about non-aboriginals playing traditional styles. I can't really imagine what they would be but I would be interested to know. |
| Teresa from USA |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
As with incorporating any aspects of a culture within your self there needs to be respect and understanding of that culture. A person doesn't just go out and get Eagle feathers and flaunt them around in a casual manner. They are medicine and should only be carried by people who know how to use that medicine.They need to be cared for and respected for the gift that the bird gave. And for what they mean to that culture. Same with the Didge when I play I keep in mind who and what has come before me to give me the opportunity to be able to play. I come from a place of respect. I feel the same when I play my drum. |
| Tero from Finland |
There might be ethical issues |
There has to be a genuine respect for the instrument and the culture that spawned the instrument (and therefore at least a basic level of knowledge about them) not just a rip-off for the hell of it. |
| Terry from Australia |
There might be ethical issues |
If the didjeridu or any other traditional indigenous instrument was to be used for ceremonial purposes relating to the indigenous culture. |
| Thomas from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I don't think there are ethical issues about someone playing the music. I would take issue with them representing it as the genuine article. But there is nothing wrong with them learning and trying to play traditional style. It is up to the listener to judge their merits. I can't imagine a world where I wasn't allowed to play dixieland music even thought I am neither black nor from new orleans. |
| Thomas from Australia |
I do not know |
I am a white australian male and I want to respect the culture & beliefs of the aboriginal clans. I am not aware of any beliefs that make me playing a didge an ethical issue. I dislike it however when I see tourists and non australians playing the didge. I can't explain why it's just a feeling I have. |
| Tiago from Portugal |
There might be ethical issues |
Playing something that sound more or less traditional is OK. Playing specific patterns" used in traditional songs is straining things a bit. Playing actual traditional songs should only be done with specific permission or only those songs that have been made freely available by their custodians. Claiming to convey traditional messages through traditional songs is not ethical." |
| Tim from Japan |
There might be ethical issues |
I don't know of any I feel that respect should be paid to traditions but there should be no restrictions on the playing outside of aboriginal areas. Inside aboriginal areas the local laws should be followed. I don't agree with women not playing the didge. |
| Tim White from Canada |
There might be ethical issues |
As with all cultures there is a tradition that has been followed and the healing aspect of this instrument holds key to this shamanic practice I guess that's what I'd call it. I know that my family was cut off from its cultural heritage and re-integrating that can be quite a hurdle. There is an honour that should be in place as we honour all of our ancestors and hope to heal the place to which we have arrived. I can certainly see how that can provide some ethical thought on traditional playing. Then as with all things to continue to segregate any cultural heritage can bring about its demise to keep the tradition is to allow others to bring it forward and to keep it moving in that direction. There was a time when there was only a 5 note scale - that has changed. we are a people of the earth all as one and to share is to create and maintain the heritage of all. |
| Tina Johnston from Australia |
There might be ethical issues |
I would think that non-Aboriginal people would possibly have insufficient knowledge of traditional Aboriginal styles. |
| Anonymous from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
N/a |
| Anonymous from USA |
I do not know |
There could be some religious or ceremonial things that possibly shouldn't be played. |
| Tom from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I would say it was up to the individual as to there traditional beliefs in as much as all peoples have different views of society / religion IE Liberal or conservative. |
| Anonymous from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I would say that aboriginals have a right" to play keeping with ancient traditions passed down through families and tribes and everyone else just wishes they could be part of it." |
| Tom from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Much like trying to wear Native American war paint if I don't understand the purpose message and reasons for playing I could do a great disservice to the indigenous people whose music I'm trying to play. |
| Tom from USA |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
Unless the non-aboriginal person playing has been adopted or taken in by an aboriginal family to learn of their traditions they should not be exploiting them or their traditional music to others without permission. |
| Anonymous |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
I don't know |
| Tony from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I think if your heart is in the right place it is ok. It is like playing the Native American Flute if you respect the culture and its music it is ok. |
| Tony from Canada |
No, there are no ethical issues |
None |
| Anonymous |
I do not know |
I don't know |
| Troy Ball from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Respect of their traditions should mean not ethical issues. |
| Troy from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Validity... the didj is a raw instrument with a raw sound... since truly ethnic traditional style rhythms are learned from the elders... non-aboriginal players who have not lived and practiced within the Aboriginal setting... would not have learned or experienced playing in its raw form |
| Anonymous from USA |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
Spiritually based styles may be considered ethical issues. |
| Anonymous |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
No |
| Anonymous |
I do not know |
Don't have the background |
| Anonymous from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Not from the culture however I think it is usually a connection of spirit for people to experience musical culture otherwise life would never evolve. a good example is reggae. |
| Virginia Bleier from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Don't have a view I like the sound |
| Ward Welch from USA |
I do not know |
I believe respect is in order towards the Aboriginal peoples and their wishes should be adhered to. |
| Anonymous |
I do not know |
None |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
As long as there is respect for the ways and your willing to learn and not be rude/disrespectful to the creators of a wonderful music piece. There shouldn't be an issue. |
| Willem from Netherlands |
There might be ethical issues |
Traditional styles belong to traditional people. Learning traditional playing should therefore be learned from a aboriginal player (out of respect). |
| William from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I don't see any |
| Anonymous from USA |
I do not know |
I know nothing on the ethical issues involved but I would assume they are minor. |
| Wouter from Netherlands |
I do not know |
I think as long as you respect the instrument and create connection with the music and joy to others and yourself there is no problem I guess. My imagination says traditional styles connect more to earth. |
| Anonymous from Israel |
I do not know |
Don't know |
