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The Danger of Marketing Culture for Tourists
Traditional culture can end up being tailored to tourist tastes
There’s a humorous Irish song about tourists and cultural misappropriation — or cultural incompetence. Irish music sessions traditionally welcome anyone to join in, which makes them super popular with musical tourists, and this song is about a visitor to one such session.
The song tells the story of a man who discovers a love for Celtic music and faithfully turns up to a regular Trad music session every Sunday, with his brand new bodhrán (Irish drum).
Of note is that his bodhrán was likely cheap (£20.00), bought in London but made in a factory in Pakistan, complete with Celtic designs, a wooden tipper and a cloth case.
Sad to say this fan’s enthusiasm for playing far outstrips his ability to keep time or vary the notes on his drum. He bangs away on every single tune, though he couldn’t tell you the name of it to save his life, and neither could he say if it’s a slip jig, a slide or a reel.
The other musicians throw many a look at him, but if they’re dirty he’s impervious. They make hooded remarks but they fall short of outright criticism to his face. We have to wait for the chorus to hear what they really think:
Hai, you with head, would…
