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 |
Playing didj is mostly a spiritual activity...and players should take it in consideration before playing |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
In considering the didgeridoo an instrument used in religious ceremonies it would be unethical to use this instrument out of context and co-opt this practice for oneself. However one can reinvent this practice and make it relevant for personal use and entertainment. |
| Anonymous from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
If the traditional style is related to spiritual ceremony and the player needs to be an initiate to that cultural/spiritual tradition and know underlying spiritual meanings and purposes then a non-initiate playing could create ethical issues. |
| Gary from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I don't think a non-Aboriginal should hold him or herself out as an Aboriginal. But I think that those who honor others and want to learn should not be kept from doing so. |
| George Brock from USA |
I do not know |
As long as I do not try to speak for the aboriginal player I do not see it as an issue |
| Anonymous from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I do not have any view on this because I know so little. |
| Graeme from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Music is meant to be shared |
| Graeme White from United Kingdom |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
At best Westerners can only imitate traditional playing. |
| Greg from Australia |
There might be ethical issues |
I believe some aboriginal people will not be happy with non-aboriginal people playing their styles but we live in a multicultural society and we can all learn from one another with mutual respect. |
| Gypsy Mama from Canada |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
Knowing that some people are uncomfortable with women playing my didgeridoos stayed in Canada when traveling in Australia Nov/Dec 2010. Even after visiting & purchasing my newest didj from you I had it sent home instead of carrying it around to avoid risk of offending anyone. That said my experience connecting with the didjeridu was and remains very spiritual. Developing the circular breathing involved many years for me being a mother of six children occupied most of my time and when the circular breathing did happen I was surrounded by a circle of Aboriginals at a fire with some dancers present though in this physical I was soaking in a bathtub. Playing the didjeridu remains very spiritual for me and I'm so grateful for awakening to the sounds of dreamtime as I dream in this place. When I return to Australia one of my goals is to connect with some Aboriginal clans who allow women players. When I play in a new place I thank our ancestors and discuss what little I know about the didjeridu dreamtime and how I connect with it myself. Australia has always called me now that I play the didjeridu and work with Australian Bush Flower Essences my connection and calling keep growing. Not sure that I actually play in any traditional style for now my playing is really just inspiration of spirit coming through me with specific practice times intending and practicing various sounds. So not really sure how that fits in with traditional or non-traditional. |
| Howard Williamson from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
As I have never even been to Australia - although I would love to - I'm really not aware of why there should be ethical issues other than among the members of an Aboriginal group. |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
No ethical issues |
| Ian from USA |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
The didgeridoo is one the items that the Aborigines use to meditate and in ceremonies. Having an outsider (non-aborigine) playing a didgeridoo could be seen as an insult to their beliefs and heritage. |
| Ilias from France |
There might be ethical issues |
It has not only to do with the fact that one being is a woman or not. It depends also if you belong to an Aboriginal community or not if you play in front of them or not. You could compare it to religion. Some can accept and for some it is like a blaspheme. It is proper to their culture and even it is a pity for some girls/women respect is a great value and one must respect traditions and beliefs of others even if they can seem somewhat archaic and out of date. As long as it is not humiliating or so. Which is not the case of playing didj or not. |
| Jaime-lynn from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I think if someone appreciates and wants to play without making fun it should be okay. |
| James Byron from United Kingdom |
There might be ethical issues |
Didjes played in the traditional style are used for the various spiritual traditions and ceremonies. A non-Aboriginal person should always be considerate and ask before playing around indigenous people who may or may not be offended and especially if the non-Aboriginal person wants to play specific pieces of spiritual music that is normally played by Aboriginal men during ceremonial rites. Being a very spiritual instrument; it is best to honour aboriginal tradition with respect and morals rather than to act as if these traditions do not matter. Simple courtesy and respect go further anywhere in the world than blatant disregard for others and their beliefs. |
| James from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
An aboriginal looks more natural. |
| James from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
If it is done respectfully with good intentions and love and guidance from an Aboriginal person it should be OK.. we are all men |
| Anonymous from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I feel all music should be available to all people. |
| Jan from Australia |
There might be ethical issues |
I suppose the biggest would be to trample on aboriginal sacred spaces and ceremonies without being invited or thought to long held tradition and protocol. |
| Janene from Australia |
There might be ethical issues |
It might offend clans if the styles used are played by someone not from that clan |
| Jason from Australia |
No, there are no ethical issues |
The main one would be the tradition side of it but with proper respect for the music and what it means I don't really see any. |
| Jeff from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Non-aboriginals don't have the cultural background needed to be a true traditional player. |
| Anonymous from USA |
I do not know |
I am not aware of them |
| Jeffrey from USA |
I do not know |
I have no idea about those kind of issues. |
| Jeffrey from USA |
I do not know |
I'd like to believe there aren't as long as the instrument like any instrument is treated with a healthy respect for its history and symbolism/significance. |
| Jenni Abbott from Australia |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Women playing in public. |
| Jennifer from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Not sure |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
I may not be well received by the culture when outsiders" play traditional music without understanding it's origins or importance. I would be afraid of seeming disrespectful." |
| Anonymous from Netherlands |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Music is a basic source of enjoyment and should be played by anyone who can and be listened be any who want to listen. I don't think a group of people should own the right to make music on a certain instrument. |
| Jessica from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I could see individual viewing it as insulting or bad for someone outside" to play especially if they are against them in any way or they are unaware of the tribes practices." |
| Anonymous from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I would have to speak with an aboriginal to see their opinion personally I find it unethical only if the playing of the traditional style is not done with respect and an honoring of the tribe. |
| Joan from USA |
I do not know |
Never thought about it before. if it was done respectfully and not in jest I think it would be ok. |
| Joanne from Australia |
There might be ethical issues |
I am conflicted about this as long as respect and reverence is shown I think it is a wonderful opportunity for experiencing something quite spiritual but I am not sure if it should be recorded for sale unless royalty of some such is advocated. Or that the right avenues for permission are sought. |
| Joe from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
The didj is more than just a musical instrument. It's a sacred tool that the world is lucky to have it shared with us. |
| Anonymous |
I do not know |
Insulting the aboriginals |
| Joey Terhljan from Canada |
I do not know |
Not sure - I suppose if one learns from an Aboriginal then there would be no issue? |
| Johan Thaens from Belgium |
No, there are no ethical issues |
There are none |
| John (no Kidding!) from Canada |
There might be ethical issues |
Most importantly to me is that it is played without misrepresentation of the culture and played with respect to the culture. From the Aboriginal didj players I have been blessed to meet they all seem to say that generally speaking the Aboriginals openly share the instrument with anyone one who wishes to pick it up. What is kept to the culture is the uses in ceremony which are not generally shared with the outside world. HAving creative licence" with stories about the instrument and its uses is where the problem arises." |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
There might be 'prayer' involved. |
| John from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
What would be unethical about sharing culture? |
| Anonymous |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
I think anyone should be able to make music anywhere. |
| Jonathan from Australia |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
The stories told with traditional styles of didgeridoo playing are about Aboriginal people passed down generation to generation. As in western culture it can be considered offensive to tell a person's story without their consent; it is no different in Aboriginal culture. |
| Joni from Finland |
There might be ethical issues |
Once while playing in camping area in Australia a woman came complaining about the noise but it was clear that it was the type of noise that was the problem. I think there is a lot of racism towards aboriginal people in Australia today. I don't really know if this applies to the type of music played whit a didj. |
| Jonny Monument from United Kingdom |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I used to play the church organ which is originally a religious instrument. Everyone can play and more importantly everyone can listen and derive pleasure from that. The more the merrier really. Exclusion is not really helpful to any cause. |
| Anonymous from USA |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
Traditional didgeridoo playing is often used as part of sacred traditions to the Aboriginal people. Coming from another culture I don't fully appreciate the meaning of the instrument and the way Aboriginal players play didgeridoo. It's also an Aboriginal legacy and part of their culture unique to them so blatantly taking it from them is a lot like stealing. |
| June from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
Because I am unfamiliar with Aboriginal traditions and ethics I cannot comment. I can only say there may be issues. One didge instructor near me said that women are not allowed to play the didge (instructor is a woman). I am a woman and I play the didge because it is an awesome instrument. |
| Justin Castillo from USA |
I do not know |
If you can play it what's wrong? |
| Kai Lehrke from Canada |
There might be ethical issues |
When I was in oz I found it sad too see how little or better nothing was left of the native. I would feel better playing their music with their permission and in support their culture. But when playing I feel there is some Powerful presence. I remember every night sitting on the beach meditating and I could hear the sound of the didgeridoo in the air even though no one was playing. I think before I would play their traditional music I would need to know more about them. But truly every time I pick up my didge to make healing music I ask for permission to play it having the spirit of the aboriginal peoples support. |
| Karolina from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I suppose some believe that a non-Aborigine person cannot proclaim themselves to play traditional didgeridoo. However I believe that in the right context if the player has full respect for and an understanding of the Aborigine traditional style of play he (or even she) can and should be considered to play traditional didj if the player is capable. |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
The didge is a wonderful instrument. If someone wants to play traditional ask permission ( it's respectful) and by doing so you'll learn to play correctly |
| Keith from United Kingdom |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
I wouldn't do it as I have no connection other than empathic so feel I could not give it all it needs |
| Anonymous |
I do not know |
? |
| Ken from USA |
I do not know |
I don't know |
| Kenny Elvin from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
To be invited into a clan could open avenues to that style. Wanting to play style is emulation and healthy perspective. Calling yourself something you are not is a problem. Living out your dream and adjusting with your experience is amazing but permission in some circles and recognition is important. |
| Anonymous from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
I would respect then as much as I can |
| Anonymous |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
From the perspective of a white male from the US I think its important to appreciate and understand as much as possible about tradition playing but I personally would not try to recreate a piece of aboriginal culture when I do not understand it. with instruction understanding and permission I would love to learn in traditional playing but I still can't tell the ancient stories of a culture I am not part of and would only be a guest to if that. |
| Kim from USA |
I do not know |
?? |
| Anonymous |
I do not know |
I feel there shouldn't be ethical issues. People should be as one. Total unity. |
| Anonymous from Australia |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
Most non aboriginal would want to play because it's cool not knowing/understanding/caring the cultural significance behind it and the aboriginals may not want to teach given how much as already been taken from them. And women can't play |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
Na |
| Anonymous from United Kingdom |
There might be ethical issues |
Respect should be given at all times |
| Lee Chang from Japan |
There might be ethical issues |
From a traditional purist aboriginal point of view a non-aboriginal would not understand the purpose or the spiritual implications of the trad playing but can aesthetically just mimic the sounds. Lack the true soul" so to speak BUT like the blues white (or others) men can indeed play the blues but they can't get the feel of the original blues originators. That's not to say that the white (or others) men don't feel the blues from time to time or feel repressed etc. Still such people may pass themselves off as playing "true" trad didge styles which I feel is unethical. I just want to play it & learn circular breathing because I want to cure my lifelong sleep apnea problem & if I get good enough to accompany my acoustic guitar playing." |
| Lee from Australia |
There might be ethical issues |
I believe anyone can play in the traditional style as long as they show respect for aboriginal culture and can appreciate the meaning connected with each story told |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Isn't my competence |
| Les from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
To me the Didgeridoo is a sacred instrument borne from a society and people who are one with the earth animals and the spirits. I liken it to the peace pipe used by the American Indian as a way to discuss politics. Or the drums of the Africans as a way of communication. |
| Liela Ross from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
We are all Spiritual beings and should be able to learn from others. |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Na |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
Would be very hard to master the exact style |
| Luca from Italy |
There might be ethical issues |
The respect for tradition and aboriginal significance through didgeridoo playing |
| Anonymous from Australia |
There might be ethical issues |
I would only purchase a didgeridoo that was made and sold by the Aboriginal people. In this way I believe that I am being respectful and to some degree seeking permission with my purchase. I hope that the use of Aboriginal instruments in a positive way around the world can increase awareness and respect for the native keepers of the land. |
| Luz from Italy |
There might be ethical issues |
I think for us people o the new world it's difficult to play traditional style by heart (not by study) because it doesn't belong to our culture and roots |
| Maeve from Ireland |
There might be ethical issues |
It could be an insult or disrespect to aboriginals when non-aboriginals play the Didgeridoo but I have never heard of any. |
| Marc from Canada |
There might be ethical issues |
I don't believe in tradition when it gets in the way of unity and fun |
| Margaret from USA |
There might be ethical issues |
It could be played in a way that could be insulting or disrespectful to the Aboriginal people |
| Mark from USA |
I do not know |
I am clueless |
| Martin Donnelly from Thailand |
There might be ethical issues |
I don't normally think that a musical style has much to do with ethics but I would be interested in hearing that point of view. |
| Anonymous from United Kingdom |
No, there are no ethical issues |
It's music I believe anyone can play any music. I don't believe in sacred cows. |
| Anonymous from Canada |
No, there are no ethical issues |
If too many people play traditional music then I suppose it could get adopted by the masses and turned into something it isn't. Thus losing its significance to the aboriginal people of Australia. |
| Anonymous |
I do not know |
Have no ideas |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
It depends on the person but if your heart is pure then there is no issue. |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
There is no ethic with musical instruments |
| Melissa from USA |
I do not know |
I do not know of any issues other than being a non-native woman. |
| Michael Lipson from USA |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
I would not want to offend against the religious sensibilities of aboriginal players and tribes who brought this magnificent instrument into the world by playing traditional music whose culture I do not understand. Still if I had an aboriginal teacher I think it would be OK for a non-aboriginal player like me to play traditional styles. |
| Michael from Ireland |
I do not know |
Being a non-aborigine I do not know the full levels at which the didgeridoo operates. I do not see why a message of healing(didgeridoo playing) would be exclusive to the aboriginal people. As long as a non-aboriginal person would have the same intention of healing when playing there should be no issue |
| Anonymous from USA |
No, there are no ethical issues |
I see no reason why music should have boundaries. |
| Anonymous |
Yes, there are ethical issues |
No matter where you go in the world there is ethical issues. As long as people are respectful their shouldn't be an issue. As a woman playing the didgeridoo there are more issues but I don't do it that often in a public setting. I hope in time things will change. |
| Mike Clayton from United Kingdom |
There might be ethical issues |
I think for me the issue would be akin to copying art techniques which may be sacred or have special meanings to Aboriginal people and as such would make feel like a fraud. |
| Miroslav Miskovic from Serbia |
No, there are no ethical issues |
No ethical issues just like performing Bach or Beethoven in 21st century |
| Anonymous |
No, there are no ethical issues |
Old and sometime can't work together |
| Nancy from USA |
I do not know |
Ethical issues.... music is for the enjoyment of everyone is it not? |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
If they don't want us playing their music than we shouldn't play it. |
| Anonymous |
There might be ethical issues |
Some strict aboriginals might think that we are stealing their culture |
