I’ve been watching (actually rewatching) the Ken Burns’ film Jazz on Netflix.
The amazing thing about this form of music is that it is uniquely American and could only have come out of the American experience and conflicts that we have had in this country around race and identity.
Music is the place where some of the worst cultural tropes and conflicts get worked out: Between the musicians in the band, the members of the audience and the listeners of the music remotely via a record—or an I-pod—a lot of gossamer is weaved.
I think that macro level conflicts in the culture can be worked out safely through the arts, in ways that don’t really translate at the interpersonal level. At the micro level though, that’s where it gets tough.
Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, or even Herbie Hancock, aren’t going to come into your house and live your life for you. But the music can serve as an intermediary.
And jazz has to be lived, improvised and has to happen on the spot. Just like interpersonal conflict at the micro level.
-Peace Be With You All-
Jesan Sorrells, MA
Principal Conflict Engagement Consultant
Human Services Consulting and Training (HSCT)
Email HSCT: jsorrells@hsconsultingandtraining.com
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