strathspey@strathspey.org:11759

M.J.Norman

Re: Whistling Rufus

April 23, 1998, 8:52 p.m. (Message 11759, in reply to message 11689)

I have to say I sort of felt the same as Cole, and Mike's posting sort of
clarified things for me.  To me, the posting of the web location is a good
compromise.  Check it out if you want to, don't look if you don't.
        Someone was asking about why the Highland version of the Irish Jig
is offensive.  Now, anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong (we never
do that here, do we? ;-), but I think the characterisation of the Irish
'personality' that is built-in to the dance is probably derived from
negative 18th-19th C. English/Scottish attitudes towards the Irish.  The
feisty Irish country lass and the leaping, capering, Irish leprachaun-type
lad.  While these 'characterisations' don't seem that insulting in
themselves, I have a feeling (though I can't quote any references) they are
part of a larger stereotype that was/is negative and insulting to the Irish
character in general.  There very well could be a lot more to it than this,
but that's the impression I've gotten over the years.
        The interesting thing for me is, having competed in Irish step and
figure dancing for 6 years, that the Scottish version of the Irish jig is
very different in style, steps and general 'attitude' than the traditional
Irish jig.  IMHO, the Scottish one seems much more an outsider's view of
the Irish, and not necessarily a complimentary view at that.  You only have
to watch the 'chorus line' in Riverdance to see the difference.
        Anyway, I'm sure there's someone out there who may know more about
this than I do.  Anyone?

Monica