Reconciliation at the Cost of Reconstruction

               Without a connection to the modern era, many people find that there is no reason to study the past. Out of this idea comes a new CD project being marketed for this year, called “Divided and United”. Previously a music collection published during the twentieth century that has been long forgotten by most, it is being revamped for the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Civil War. Apparently, it is intended to bring back to the public eye famous Civil War songs as well as offer commentary on the recent political polarization that plagues the country. In order to have this album come to life, there will be a plethora of musical artists; “most of the artists on this two-CD set are country, bluegrass and folk musicians, with a few from other genres, notablyJohn Doe of L.A. punk band X, veteran blues musician Taj Mahal and Jefferson Airplane founding member Jorma Kaukonen. The participants also include veterans Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Ralph Stanley and Del McCoury as well as young Turks Jamey Johnson and Shovels & Rope” (L.A. Times, 1).

            While I am normally one of the first people that would support bringing Civil War subjects into modern “mainstream” social culture, I find the development of this album problematic. The use of these songs, it appears, are intended to bring the nation together in a way that mirrors Civil War reconciliation. (This term was first mentioned on Monday in class.) The idea of reconciliation became increasingly popular after the Civil War, commonly romanticized in the concept of white brothers from both North and South coming together to promise peace. This may paint a pretty picture that was believed for quite some time, but it is hardly what we should choose to emphasize in today’s society. Reconciliation came at the cost of neglecting the plight of the African American and of actually addressing the changing nature of the Union during Reconstruction. This album almost reflects the exact same attitude, with its use of pro-Confederate and, in some cases, outwardly racist material. (For instance, if you read the article, they mention that several of the songs on the album were originally sung by black-face minstrels.) Characterizing and marginalizing racial minorities in a time when they are the fastest growing voting class is not wise nor practical. In my opinion, we do not want to use this form of “reconciliation” to solve our current political crisis.

Link to the article: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-ca-civil-war-music,0,5384766.story#axzz2k5cW0RwE