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 |
| Adam from USA |
I do not know |
Its possible due its sacred use in dances |
| Adrian from Australia |
There might be ethical issues |
Playing styles or songs that are sacred. |
| Anonymous |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
It is sacred to them so they don't want whites playing their sacred instruments. |
| Alex from Australia |
I do not know |
I would see an issue if a non-aboriginal is playing a ceremonial rhythm or something but in terms of just playing a traditional style I don't think that should be a problem Its like for instance an English speaking person trying to learn and speak French are there any Ethical issues with this? Not in my view if anything I think that people learning to play traditional style may in fact bring them closer to the spirit of playing the didgeridoo. |
| Alex from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
The ethical issues surrounding non-Aboriginals playing traditional Aboriginal styles are mainly based on respect. They created the form and style as well as realizing the potential for a hollowed out eucalyptus log they used the music in rituals and for meditation. The traditional music is nearly religious to the Aboriginal people. So for someone not in that group of people to play something singular to them would be quite disrespectful. However non-Aboriginals should still be able to make beautiful sounds with their instruments. Variety is the spice of life and different cultures coming together to play each others musical and ceremonial instruments each with the flavor or their own culture creates growth and new opportunities for the world of spiritual music. |
| Anonymous from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I am not trying to take anything away from Aboriginal culture by playing their instruments. I am simply intrigued by the didgeridoo and love learning about indigenous peoples' music. |
| Anonymous from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I think a distinction must be made based on intention and setting. So long as the musician isn't purporting to make ritual use of the music or playing in a sacred setting I don't think a non-native dishonors the music simply by learning exploring etc. To the contrary I think it's one of the finest ways to come to know another's way of life and world view. |
| Andrew from United Kingdom |
No, there are no ethical issues |
In my view anyone ought to be free to play in any style they wish as long as they do not claim a heritage for themselves which is incorrect. |
| Andrew Hodge from Canada |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I feel if the person playing the didj has respect for the tradition then there is no problem. |
| Anne Bussell from USA |
I do not know |
I don't think there are any |
| Ata from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
If one is deeply respectful towards that style of playing there should be no ethical issues. |
| Bill from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I believe there would be issues if you were profiting off the music. Also if you did not respect the music. I don't believe the respect is much of an issue. If you are interested and dedicated enough to learn how to play traditional styles you probably have a great deal of respect for it. |
| Brian Mazurski from USA |
I do not know |
I do not know |
| Brian from USA |
I do not know |
I don't know what to said? |
| Carlos Gandara from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
You can not keep the Didgeridoo in the hands of Aborigines only any more it has become an universal instrument adopted by many in many countries and many cultures (myself from Guatemala). It is a wonderful tool and instrument |
| Chagry Akoglu from Turkey |
There might be ethical issues |
Beat boxing with didgeridoo is a insult to aborigines. |
| Christian from Germany |
There might be ethical issues |
Aborigines could be hurt by white people playing their traditional themes. |
| Christopher from USA |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
Anyone should be able to play the instrument as long as they show respect to the indigenous people and have a knowledge and understanding if same. |
| Anonymous |
I do not know |
No idea |
| Anonymous |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
Not fair to natives |
| Anonymous |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
Respect |
| Anonymous |
I do not know |
Some tribal cultures may consider didj performance and playing a level of religious practice. By 'mimicking' or imitating these practices without the appropriate other cultural aspects observed could represent a mocking or disrespect of cherished beliefs. |
| David Pau from Argentina |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
It is a ritual instrument and as such should be respected essence.. |
| Debra Derrick from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Perhaps the didgeridoo is in some way sacred? So why are you folks offering to give one away? |
| Derek from Ireland |
I do not know |
Not understanding the meaning of the rhythms being played. |
| Don from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
There may be ethical questions about playing spiritual or sacred styles. |
| Doug from USA |
I do not know |
Since the didgeridoo is used as a spiritual connecting point it may be considered improper for someone without an alignment to the earth to play.... |
| Doug from USA |
I do not know |
I just don't know about it I'd like to know more. |
| Douglas from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
The playing should be done with respect for the people in mind and their history. |
| Elad from Israel |
There might be ethical issues |
Don't have 1:) |
| Anonymous from USA |
I do not know |
No clue |
| Elzo from Netherlands |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
It is deeply embedded in the culture of the aboriginals. And we are simply not aboriginals. I think it is not bad to play the didge. But it would be preferable to develop our own styles and have great respect for the inventors.... |
| Eric from USA |
I do not know |
Don't know enough to comment |
| Erik from Sweden |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I can't imagine there would be ethical issues. |
| Anonymous |
I do not know |
Dunno |
| Anonymous from Brazil |
There might be ethical issues |
The only "ethical issue" I can thing of would be a very traditional and strict aboriginal society claiming that didgeridoo should only be played by members of that particular culture or at least by people who are somewhat engaged to their habits. Other than that I see no other issues of this sort. |
| Fred Ashplant from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I believe it to be unethical for a person not of native Australian origin to mimic the sounds of ceremonial yidaki playing. I believe native aboriginal people have a right to hold their traditional ceremonies sacred. |
| Grant from Australia |
There might be ethical issues |
There aren't really any provided the player shows respect for culture and leadership. |
| Anonymous |
I do not know |
I really do not know about the issues of ethical disturbance for playing traditional styles I just know I was hooked playing my friends for and hour |
| Holden from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Music is not unethical |
| Howard Dempsey from Australia |
There might be ethical issues |
Changing the original styles and loosening that |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
Some aboriginals may consider it a compliment that others try to emulate them but some more traditional elders may consider it a further insult and "theft" of their culture? |
| James from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
There might be ethical issue though I have never considered them. I would have to research it. |
| James from United Kingdom |
There might be ethical issues |
Certainly not in the UK have I found any issues however there could be issues at aboriginal ceremonies having a non indigenous person playing the didge. |
| Jaroslav Novak from Czech Republic |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I thing with respect didgeridoo can play anyone. |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
There shouldn't be...they should be happy other cultures want to play the music or appreciate it. |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
None |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Some people think if you don't play in the traditional way you can't play. |
| Anonymous |
I do not know |
I would think that for ceremonial purposes it might need to be acceptable to everyone present or it would be best not to. |
| Anonymous from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Unknown |
| John Kelley from USA |
I do not know |
I do not have any ethical issues of playing traditional styles |
| Jose from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Well sine the instrument was used in tribal ceremonies I can see how actual Aboriginal tribe members might see it as an insult if anyone could just pick it up and play it |
| Joseph Carringer from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I did give this consideration until I was directly challenged by an aboriginal didge player regarding my sound therapy work. My response to him once we were able to engage in a positive dialogue was that I had seen a young aboriginal man expressing himself through hip hop. This is a uniquely Black American art form that has transcended Black American Culture and gone global. We are a global community that is sharing all of our art forms and heritage. Human culture is constantly changing and evolving into one another. When you consider we all hold similar DNA strains leading us back to one tribal group in Southern Africa it seems pointless to be offended for someone wanting to express themselves through an ancient art form. |
| Karen from USA |
I do not know |
Learning other cultures language and music can be a good thing but not if it violates their religious principles or beliefs. |
| Karl from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I'm not sure I know enough yet to give a determination |
| Kemal from Turkey |
I do not know |
Sorry I've nothing to write here... |
| Kenneth from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
If played with the right mind set and with proper respect there should not be major ethical issues here. |
| Kevin from USA |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
The didge is an important part of their culture. I can understand them not wanting it to be taken over but I feel its a sign of respect on the part of most who play. |
| Krystal from Canada |
There might be ethical issues |
Passing stories/songs through generations they become a peoples heritage. Through repetitive use with intention...things become magical. Don't mindlessly take. Approach with respect. Ask. They dream you know!! |
| Anonymous from Canada |
There might be ethical issues |
I could for see that perhaps the idea of a person from a race which has no connection to the culture no understanding of the importance of the music and it's history and meaning wanting to play traditional styles could be viewed in a negative light. Without those connections and understandings the traditional styles would lose their depth and their meaning and simply become "another style" without any defining cultural qualities. However I could also see that it could be a very positive thing and an opportunity for non aboriginals to be taught the importance rich history and great spiritual depth of the traditional styles that may awaken a depth within themselves that they have yet to find in their day to day modern life. |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
??? |
| Anonymous from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Only in certain areas could I see offense in playing the traditional style |
| Anonymous from USA |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
Many pieces of music played are for various spiritual traditions and ceremonies. Women sometimes play but never for spiritual ceremonies; for these only the men play. A non-aboriginal person should always be considerate and ask before playing around aboriginals who may or may not be offended and especially if the non-aboriginal wants to play specific pieces of spiritual music that is normally played by aboriginal men during ceremonial rites. Being a very spiritual instrument; it is best to honor aboriginal tradition with respect and morals rather than to act as if these traditions do not matter. This has also been an ongoing problem in the US with native peoples and their traditions. It has resulted in a legacy of mistrust and resentment. Simple courtesy and respect go further anywhere in the world than blatant disregard for others and their beliefs. |
| Marcus Jones from United Kingdom |
No, there are no ethical issues |
There is no issues what so ever anyone can play it. Doesn't matter what culture or race you are its an instruments that everyone should enjoy |
| Mark from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I think some might say that the Didgeridoo is an Aboriginal instrument and also a cultural item and should be given respect as such; A non aboriginal would not understand this and would treat the Didgeridoo like a toy. |
| Anonymous |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
If you are not Indigenous you should not play traditional style because you do not understand the meaning of what you are play. |
| Mary Alford from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I would want to become educated on any ethical dilemmas before I developed a view. I would certainly want to be respectful of traditions and beliefs regarding the playing the traditional didgeridoo |
| Anonymous |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
Could mean diff things to diff people |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
Some Aboriginal people may be offended when a non-Aboriginal person plays a traditional didgeridoo style but I'm not entirely sure - always best to ask! |
| Mike from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I feel that as long as doing so isn't considered a taboo and it is shown the proper respect and reverence anything considered "traditional" can be taught or learned by outsiders. Would I expect to go to an Aboriginal gathering and expect to be allowed to play the didgeridoo in front of them no. Would I hope that a native would be willing to instruct me in the traditional style of play assuming I was doing so for the right reasons yes. |
| Mirko from Germany |
I do not know |
I don't know how touchy aborigines are with their traditional styles or if there are taboos in the music as in entering holy sites like uluru. But I think it is more like showing respect for the traditional ways. Paying homage to aboriginal traditions. |
| Morgan from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
There may be problems for Australian Aborigines who may feel that it is strictly a cultural instrument and others may not understand its significance. |
| Naymond from USA |
I do not know |
In many cultures there are sacred pieces to their beliefs that are generally not open to "outsiders"; however there have been in history the select few that have proven themselves to be friends of that culture or their love for it allows the "outsiders" to prove themselves enough to become part of that culture. So I guess if that person "Earns" a place in the heart of that culture then I guess it would be ok. In the end it is up to the people to choose whether or not that a non-aboriginal person can play traditional styles. |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
They are sacred to the aborigines and could therefore offend them so it is important to be respectful of their culture and play them with permission when in the presence of the aborigines |
| Nick from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Oppression then turned to acceptance might anger people. |
| Ossian from Australia |
There might be ethical issues |
Ultimately it's about respect but some rituals are only for those who are initiated so it's not always going to be appropriate to culturally participate if you are not part of the community. |
| Anonymous from Canada |
I do not know |
I am unaware if the traditional playing is consider sacred in any way |
| Anonymous from United Kingdom |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Everybody should be able to embrace others cultures |
| Peter from Australia |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
Before playing for an audience/group of people. One should be respectful and acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for their gift in teaching us how to play this ancient wind instrument |
| Piergiorgio Fiorucci from Italy |
There might be ethical issues |
Jam all the world and help your body with the music |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
Losing the meaning behind its current use and its history. |
| Richard from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Maybe you use it in a rock song and someone might think that's wrong. |
| Richard Wallace from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Personally I don't think it's an issue I think everyone should be welcome to play. I've been playing for 12 years now but there is still much for me to learn. |
| Robin Pearson from Australia |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
Personal compositions only not stolen copy |
| Rudy Hidding from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
One world one love |
| Sam from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I wouldn't want to offend anyone. I realize it would be enough of a gift to be allowed to own one and learn to play one because I'm a women. I want to learn for the breathing and connection to spirit. |
| Sascha from Luxembourg |
There might be ethical issues |
If issue means problem already the language influences the way of playing. As the aboriginal language has words and soundings in it which you don't find in other languages the non-aboriginal player will have difficulties reproducing these sounds. |
| Anonymous |
I do not know |
None people should be open minded and share the music |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
Unknown |
| Susan Stephenson from USA |
I do not know |
I dont know anything about how the didgeridoo is used in Aboriginal culture. Perhaps it would be taken as an offense or be disrespectful in some way for someone outside the culture to play? |
| Terry from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
This is a ceremonial instrument for the aboriginal tribes - for others to play it and make it a commercial venture could be an insult. However Aboriginal art was once only used for ceremony and then thrown into the water holes. Louis A. Allen was the first white man to talk "straight across" to the Aborigines be interested in their art and its' meaning write it down and keep it for them for history. Their art is now very commercial as well as ceremonial. |
| Terry Freeman from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I feel that to co-opt traditional styles and especially their spirituality can be considered rude; most aborigines I've conversed with don't mind as long as proper respect is given to the deeply religious/cultural aspects of playing. |
| Thatcher from USA |
I do not know |
I have not researched this at all yet. Now I will. I only can guess that either Aboriginal people consider this as part of their religion or otherwise take offense to someone who does not have the same beliefs as them. |
| Anonymous from USA |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
Must honor the culture |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
Don't know the true meaning as would a person from there would |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
None |
| Trevor Van Bosch from South Africa |
No, there are no ethical issues |
In my opinion None |
| Tyler from USA |
I do not know |
Ethical issues revolve around the concept of the sacredness to the aboriginals of the instrument and present day people creating "authentic didgeridoos " by non aboriginal peoples. |
| Anonymous from Spain |
There might be ethical issues |
Thinking about when there wasn't tec |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
Problème de culture ancestrale |
| Warren from New Zealand |
No, there are no ethical issues |
The world is a big place it is better that more stuff is shared however not by being rude or mean |
