Cara Paden

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  • in reply to: Music Therapy Practice #1372
    Cara PadenCara Paden
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    What’s most striking to me was the history of blackface caricatures. The entire time I was considering how much some of those minstrel songs are still so prevalent in American culture (cough Jingle Bells). The fact that they are so prevalent just continues to perpetuate this terrible caricature of Black people. I think as music therapists, it is our duty to be mindful of where our songs come from so that we do not continue to perpetuate white supremacy and racism. I understand that I really need to delve into my repertoire of music and eliminate certain songs. I know some people have compiled lists of minstrel songs and other songs with racist undertones. It also makes me think about our education as music therapists. What would it look like if we not only covered blackface and minstrelsy in American music history but incorporated other genres/styles/cultures of music playing? Excited to hear what other people were thinking!

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