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 |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
If it is played with respect it should be okay. |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Everyone should be allowed to play |
| Nick from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
While a non-aboriginal may not be aware of the purposes and etc. of traditional aboriginal didj playing (I doubt that I myself totally understand them) I feel it would be somewhat selfish to not want others to be inspired by their traditions |
| Matthew from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
There should be no issue. Each style has the same thing in common and that is playing didgeridoo. The separation between to two is unnecessary. |
| Anonymous from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Might be that it is not a right. Some may say who are you to get to miss use are culture. But their are many people that love that your people craft such beautiful art and share it with people like my self |
| David Morgan from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Playing traditional styles without reference or regard to the spiritual tradition - especially for profit - could be an ethical issue. |
| Steve Mccarthy from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Some Aboriginals may not like that non-Aboriginals are playing their native instrument |
| Perry from Canada |
There might be ethical issues |
It's less about playing the didge and more about the less than ethical harvesting techniques used by some non-aboriginal didge producers. |
| Jacob from Australia |
There might be ethical issues |
I don't think as a nation we give aboriginal tradition enough respect so therefore playing a traditional style should be kept for those who truly understand its meaning. |
| Gerald Osborne from USA |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
I understand their are issues just like with my wife's family. Their are some things that are not allowed and or frowned upon when someone outside tries to perform or do. It is seen as disrespectful to tribe elders or God. |
| Anonymous from Us Minor Outlying Islands |
There might be ethical issues |
If a person were to enter an Aboriginal village and try to play their music without their blessing that would be disrespectful but not necessarily unethical. if a non-Aboriginal person tries to pass himself of as Aboriginal by playing Aboriginal music that would be disrespectful and unethical. |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I believe that ethical issues are dissolved when the non-aboriginal truly wants to learn and experience more aboriginal culture |
| Don from USA |
I do not know |
I am not knowledgeable enough to have a real say. I could quote your site or others but will not. I think that any true musician should consider the source and certainly authors of any music they pursue. |
| Opal Hawkins from USA |
I do not know |
A person may know nothing about the origin and use of the instrument and consequently not respect the cultural background. |
| Luke Poteete from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I believe if someone wants to participate in learning about other cultures and their instruments without contempt than it should be okay. |
| Margot from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I really want to play the traditional sounds and traditional didgeridoos but I understand that this has been a rich tradition with the aboriginal people who might not want anyone else to play this style. |
| Erik from USA |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
Some traditional didgeridoos are used in sacred ceremonies and should be respected by non-aboriginals. |
| Jenessa Sneva from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Considering I am a Western female It's safe to say I am geographically and possibly culturally the farthest away I can be in relation to the didgeridoo origin. However if used for the same ritualistic ceremonial and spiritual purposes of making music with like minded & peaceful beings the spirit of the instrument's purpose remains true and unchanged |
| Jeremy from USA |
I do not know |
I understand that certain traditions might seem disrespected when mimicked or used out of context. I'm interested in creating my own sounds on the didj and am not interested in mimicking aboriginal culture |
| Anonymous from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Umm I feel this question is weird. I am not a person to find "issues" with subjects. As long as a person has heart in other cultures and finds the lifestyles educating and motivational I see no issue in ethical issues |
| Anonymous from Australia |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I've talked to aboriginal players and they have no issue with teaching anyone to play and unless you were invited into a ceremony to play it would be very unlikely you would actually play sound for sound a truly traditional style. |
| Annette from Chile |
There might be ethical issues |
We never have to forget the origin of whatever we use and somehow make the original source participating: if possible buying instruments that have been manufactures by them (economic participation); knowing about their culture (cultural participation) and in this case by playing the didjeridoo somehow we support their cultural survival by creating conscience. |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I don't think there are ethical issues as long as the person respects the art/tradition accordingly. |
| Thomas from Germany |
There might be ethical issues |
Aboriginal people attendant with the spirit of their land and their myths e.g. dreamtime also with their ancestral connection |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
At this time I now of no ethical issues as to why I would not be able to play a didgeridoo in a traditional form. |
| Philip from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I think it needs to be done with great humility and respect for the cultural role of the didj. |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
I haven't really thought a lot about it. It seems as though it would be a matter of respect and of acknowledging where the music and traditions came from. |
| Michael Lewis from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Perhaps the Aboriginals who have stuck to the old ways do not believe in allowing people not of their origin playing the didgeridoo |
| Fiona from New Zealand |
There might be ethical issues |
I think there should be knowledge of the style and it's applications and restrictions prior to learning/playing. Acknowledgement of the style and it's origins when played. |
| Anonymous from Austria |
There might be ethical issues |
I personally have no problem if an Muslim visits a christian Church (and vice versa). So it should be not an issue to play traditional styles if the player know about the Aboriginals issues and respect their culture. I think music is a good way to appear solidarity with the Aboriginals. Hopefully you understand me because my english is really terrible... |
| Johan M |
There might be ethical issues |
In my opinion it should be okay for a non aboriginal to play the didgeridoo as long as he has respect for the elderly aboriginals and their customs and ways to play the didgeridoo. It shouldn't be a problem is the aboriginals around you don't have a problem with it. But is you are a woman/girl then you have to play respect to the aboriginal rules regarding the didge playing and respect that as a woman you aren't allowed to play. |
| Anonymous from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I would not attempt to reproduce something that is considered a sacred ceremonial rhythm although I have had no exposure. I had a person accuse me of cultural theft several years ago for playing my didge. when I was in Australia the aboriginal people sold them so I don't feel that is the case. (as with any musical instrument). however I do consider it a sacred instrument and I use it as a healing tool and play at drum circles or for belly dancers. |
| Angie from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
In my reading and the few movies I have seen it seems to be a spiritual thing. To invoke spirits to help to protect or to heal one of the Aboriginal society. |
| Patrice from France |
No, there are no ethical issues |
There should not be any ethical issue unless the player is playing against fixed sacred rules... Learning playing traditional is a way to understand better the aboriginal culture |
| Peg Adams from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
If the heart of the music is indigenous to the culture then yes It would be hard to replicate that heart for another person in another culture. |
| Joaquim Maricio from Portugal |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Some aboriginal people might find it disrespectful because they used it for religious ceremonies. |
| Mark Witt from USA |
I do not know |
I hope to learn. |
| Tom from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Copying traditional music from electronic media often bootlegged/stolen. Playing without proper training (if that's even allowable in Aboriginal culture) |
| Don Chasse Jr from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I couldn't imagine its all vibrational creation right? but then again I feel underinformed about the playing styles. maybe there is a conflict because of the awesome creative power of the human voice/breath. |
| Donald from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
If the player plays it just to play then yes there are issues. If the player asks a tribe member to teach them about the meaning of the song of ritual. There has to be a deep respect and understanding of the people and the player must have a true heart and soul. |
| Kevin from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
There should be no ethical issues. It is an honorable thing to learn something about another culture and to keep that or any other aspect of that culture alive. |
| Andrew Zwack from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Tradition implies that something has been passed on to someone else. I think unless you were taught by someone who was taught in the same manner and are fully aware of the significance of what you are playing it would be ok. |
| Pj from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I'm not sure if there are ethical issues on the side of the aboriginal people. As long as you have an understanding of the history of something and give proper respect I have no issues with cross cultural sharing. What a wonderful way to get to know others and eliminate negative barriers. |
| Casey from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
That's foolish - it's a question similar to Africans playing the bodhran. An instrument is for the benefit of the listeners - it's not for a specific culture. Make music not war. |
| Russell Stewart from Canada |
I do not know |
As indicated above I am not aware of any issues however if a certain style of play has specific ceremonial or spiritual significance and the playing of that style caries with it a requirement for the player to have an appreciation or respect for it then I would certainly refrain from plying that style if I was unable to appreciate or "qualify" for the privilege of playing. |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
Don't think so any more than other music and instruments that are becoming global. E.g. Tokyo String Quartet plays European classical music. |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
No creo que hay ning |
| Scott from USA |
I do not know |
I've found music can break down barriers between unfamiliar peoples/cultures. the more people that play the didj around the world it has the potential to expose and help not only Aboriginal peoples but indigenous people around the world. |
| Willibrord Arts from Netherlands |
I do not know |
I think only aboriginal people should play the traditional style |
| Andrew Zacchini from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Depends on the type of person |
| Carl from USA |
I do not know |
It is not my tradition. You need to ask aboriginal people about this. Is it an issue for them? |
| Anonymous from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
The only problem I can think of is that aboriginal people may look at me a girl caucasian playing it; does not always fit in the group. |
| Dave Stein from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
If the style is a ritual then not playing it properly could be a problem with the Aboriginals and thus an ethical issue |
| Rachel from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Being sure to not represent that aboriginal tribe itself as a person who isn't. But maybe it's because of my mixed race heritage I believe that all gifts should be shared but respectfully so. |
| Anonymous from South Africa |
No, there are no ethical issues |
There are no ethical issues in my honest opinion as long as the artist gives full credit to the Aboriginal culture for developing the techniques and style and doesn't exploit the culture. |
| Brenna from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
How sacred does one approach the instrument and the moment of its sounding would be my focus. |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
The aboriginal maybe have a sense of sadness |
| Anonymous from USA |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
I don't like when people post things on Youtube that is disrespectful to the Aboriginals. |
| Adam Brousseau from Canada |
There might be ethical issues |
I think that if a non-aboriginal person wanted to play a traditional style and approached it by simply copying a recording or perhaps following a guide there would be a great deal of disrespect shown. If on the other hand the symbolic nature of the style and the teaching was being passed on by a willing aboriginal person a great deal of respect would be shown in the process. |
| Diego from Chile |
There might be ethical issues |
There might be some stories and sounds that are reserved to elders and spiritual guides not for domestic use but ceremonial. |
| Denay from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I am exploring them! But the love of music is a LOVE! Artists are Artists...They love to share their art whether it is visual or audio or tactile. |
| Alexandra from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
If not played with love and caring we are essentially stealing a part of their culture |
| Dennis Sigala from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
There are certain traditional songs that are sacred and I feel you must be of that culture to be allowed to play> |
| Dan from Germany |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I think it is sad that people would think there are issues in promoting any art |
| Anonymous from New Zealand |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
A non-native musician playing traditional styles of ANY tribal music whether it is from an Aboriginal background or Native American Indian background or any other may be held in contempt by stewards of that tradition for many logical reasons. It may be considered an insult for someone foreign to try to play that music especially if that person was not given permission. Music like many other traits belonging to a culture tend to be understood differently by people who are not of that background. |
| Anonymous from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Possible problems I would like to see folks study under traditional masters and be given permission by those elders should tithe back to traditional community. |
| Brandon Fitzgerald from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I understand that the Aboriginal people are proud and hold this instrument to be sacred. I could see some ethical issues with a person not respecting the traditional style. I personally want to learn as much as I can so that when I do play the traditional style I am doing it with the utmost respect for the people who hold them as sacred. I am now aware of the other ethical issues regarding the manufacturing and thanks to you I will never purchase a didgeridoo from and other supplier. I see a major ethical issue there and I want no part in it. I will eventually be able to afford one of yours and I can be assured that I purchased from a company that respects this instrument. |
| Anonymous from Germany |
There might be ethical issues |
It sometimes seems ridiculous when a person tries to copy the old traditions of another culture. So the traditions and rituals degenerate to a tourist attraction. On the other hand shows this the appreciation to the Aborigines whose music and culture moves people around the world. |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I don't see any issues playing the traditional styles as more people know and play the different styles more will know about the Australian Aborigines |
| John from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I think it is foolish to consider ethical issues for playing an instrument |
| Tore Kenneth from Norway |
There might be ethical issues |
You must know a culture well before you can claim to master it's unique cultural insignias or else your contribution can have negative effects. Religious issues. |
| Joe from USA |
I do not know |
I'm confused |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
There might be people offended if someone plays aboriginal styles without being aborigine but I think that by sharing traditions we can get to know each other a little bit more as human beings. |
| Marc Primelo from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
It may be a sacred instrument used in ceremonies |
| Anonymous from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
This would be an ethical issue if they were being passed off as their own original work. Non-traditional didgeridoo players would not fully know the cultural significance of the didgeridoo. |
| Jordan Ackerman from Canada |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
This site really enlightened me on the fact that when non-aboriginal peoples play didgeridoo it creates a higher demand to harvest them so instead of simply finding them trees are being cut down to harvest them. also the fact it is their instrument people should be giving the proceeds of selling didges to aboriginal peoples. |
| Anonymous from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I think there are big ethical issues concerning women playing Didgeridoo |
| Anonymous from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Because you want to learn there tradition witch is good for the tradition |
| Anonymous from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
From what I have read it seems like the didgeridoo is a very sacred and spiritual instrument something that has religious importance of some sort but what confuses me on that point is that there are aboriginal people who make them for non-aboriginal people. So I could see it as something sacred that was incorporated but then why do the aboriginal people help? |
| Scott Rose from Australia |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
Most definitely yes... it must be pointed out to any possible audience that didgeridoo is traditionally an Aboriginal instrument. An element of respect must be shown/ observed with how it is carried how it is played and Acknowledgement of Country to show appropriate respect to Elders; past and present is appropriate |
| Mike from Canada |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
One must respect the history.........the native people deserve that much |
| Robert from Canada |
No, there are no ethical issues |
In order to play traditional styles I guess one would come to know the context from which the style came out? |
| Stan from USA |
I do not know |
I have no basis to form an opinion at this time. |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Don't have any |
| Anonymous |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
I would not play a piece of traditional ceremonial didjeridoo music. To me that would be a disrespectful appropriation of something sacred. |
| Cameron Nelson from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Well I think if they want to play they should it is there decision if they want to treat them right let them.:) |
| Megan Holguin from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I can understand that some people would think that it should stay traditional and be kept where it originated but it is a beautiful sound and culture and cannot help being envied |
| Anonymous |
I do not know |
I am wondering if playing a didgeridoo is a spiritual connection |
| Per Tillisch from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Ceremonial playing of didgeridoos is part of the aboriginal culture for a non-aboriginal to use a didgeridoo in an imitation of an Aboriginal ceremony may be disrespectful to their culture and thus unethical especially if used to commercially exploit their culture. I feel that the use of a didgeridoo as a contemporary musical instrument can be done in an ethical manner many instruments(such as drums) have ceremonial uses but to limit them to these uses would only stifle creativity and musical evolution. The origin of the didgeridoo should always be acknowledged regardless of how far removed the playing style and materials are from the original. |
| Anonymous |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
If your not native then you shouldn't play an instrument from their customs. I am not native and the only reason I am interested is I collect musical instruments |
| Eric Hamilton from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I think it would depend on how it was done and with how much respect |
| Michael from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
If done with respect to the people and the traditions it is an opportunity to learn the ways of other peoples for we are all one. |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
If it is acceptable to the Aborigine population there should not be an ethical issue. It is just one way to share their culture with the world. |
