Anyone ever hear of "Wee Sing" ? It seems so racist sometimes.?

Question

My wife is a music teacher and came across music books/cd's for children. Its called "Wee Sing"
Lots of the music in it have so much slave music that it seems racist.
Shes half african american and feels it would be weird teaching school kids songs about picking cotton.

Anyone heard of this "Wee Sing"
Has their been controversy before?

First off, Richard calm down.
Its not the fact that its a song or two, its a lot of slave music in one package.

Second, you seem pretty cocky for someone who blocks all emails, instant messages and keeps answers and question private. Your affraid.

Answer 1

Just a devil's advocate thing, I am pretty sensitive to race issues myself so please don't be offended. In fact I could be wrong because I haven't heard these before. (I have heard OF them.) However, based on what you say, it seems that it might be an effort to be inclusive, not exclusive.

Part of the American music scene over the years has been songs like I've Been Workin on the Railroad, which is largely regarded as a kids song today, but was very much a "work song" back in the day. "Slave music" was the foundation for almost all the American music that we now know...slave music gave birth to black gospel and blues, both of which have shaped our jazz, rock, and country music landcapes ever since, and even now. You can't avoid this stuff when you are talking about or teaching American music appreciation.

Another thing to remember is that all kinds of children's stuff has its origins in horrific things. Rock a Bye Baby...Grimm's Fairy Tales, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, right on up to Bugs Bunny and Tom and Jerry. Lots of things that used to be acceptable (whether it was really a good idea or not) for children, are NOT considered acceptable anymore. Sometimes I think we are just a bit too sensitive.

Just because it was music written during or about oppressive times, doesn't mean it's bad music and doesn't make it worthless in the classroom. In fact, it might springboard some very basic discussion about tolerance if your wife wants to work that in. It would really depend on how she did it...if she chooses to use the music at all. Of course I would hope that if she is really offended she wouldn't have to.

Answer 2

Wee sing teaches real songs sung throughout history and by different cultures. Your wife can look for a wee sing package on a different subject if it makes her uncomfortable to teach the songs in the package she has. here is a link to all of the wee sing products.
http://www.weesing.com/browse.cfm?product_line=1&whereFrom=1&CFID=40300773&CFTOKEN=71647232

Answer 3

We should just get rid of all history. Burn it all. As a matter of fact, cut out everyone's tongue. Every word ever spoken has the potential of offending someone, somewhere. Better if we just say nothing at all and do away with independent thoughts or ideas.