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Date: | Sat, 30 Jan 1999 03:54:05 -0500 |
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Richard Pennycuick wrote:
>... Our last prime minister, Paul Keating, was well-known for his
>passions for Mahler and French antique clocks. These were almost always
>reported as examples of eccentricity, elitism, insert-derogatory-word-here.
>However, the politician who likes it to be known that he/she enjoys the
>same pursuits as The Common Man/Woman will be suspected of attempted
>self-promotion. Alas, it may be ever thus.
Your answer reminds me why I'm not a big enthusiast for e-mail discussion
groups. There is no substitute for a bull session when it comes to topics
like these. Tone of voice, facial expression and the ability to speak in
phrases rather than paragraphs clarifies so fast by comparison with this
process.
I didn't think to add that I wasn't supporting the exploitation of
classical music as a sign of success or a luxury product like a Mercedes
Benz or a college degree or living in the right part of town. Music is an
integral part of White House formal dinners, etc. and the press likes to
report such gossip. The people are interested in it as gossip and because
intuitively we know it tells us something about those who rule over us.
I am a very common person. My enjoyment of classical music is so obviously
that that no one has ever accused me of being snobbish. I play my Walkman
at the gym and this gym is no upscale health center. Bulging muscles are
all over the place. When I get "the rhythm" I usually move to it,
especially if I'm on the cross-trainer. If somebody says "what's that
you're listening to, I tell them and add it is so exhilarating it actually
increases my endurance." My trainer found he had a undiscovered love for
classical music in this way. I helped him build his collection and he is
still at it.
I think an elected politician has to share some enthusiasms with his
public, especially sports, indigestive indigenous food, drink and babes.
But the public will permit him to have a few interests that are not so
widely shared and if the politician is relaxed about it and doesn't try to
shove it down anyone's throat it may even make him more interesting. Look
at Clinton's love of good cigars.
Andrew E. Carlan
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