Klarinet Archive - Posting 000121.txt from 1998/01

From: "David S. Naden" <dnaden@-----.net>
Subj: Re: women not allowed
Date: Sun, 4 Jan 1998 03:36:55 -0500

Starr--

I have kept silent about this whole Vienna Philharmonic thing because it is
an IMPROPER topic for this list (it belong to Orchestralist, a list
pertaining to conducting and orchestral topics in general. But here goes...

I find it extremely frustrating that WE as Americans are arogant enough to
assume that because another country or culture behaves or acts in a way that
is contrary to the American way of doing things, or follows standards that
are different that they are wrong.

Personally, I agree that all orchestras should hold open auditions and
select the best qualified musician -- man or woman. However, what Vienna
(or Berlin for that matter) does is what they do, no matter what we believe
is right. The Vienna Philharmonci has a long and rich tradition, and to
correct what WE perceive as ills or deficits will take many years to come.
Obviously, change must begin with the managing leadership, but that change
must occur because either THEY want it, or because the Viennese public
demands a change.

So in the meantime, let's forget about the political correctness of OUR
beliefs, and just enjoy those orchestras for their rich heritage and
wonderful music-making.

David S. Naden, Graduate Student
Cal State University Los Angeles AND
Administrative Analyst
City of Carson Department of Public Safety

maybe Starr,maybe John wrote:

> I am amazed at the unwillingness of anyone on this list to come up to
> the plate and respond to the following specific question:
>
> If you would be repulsed by, and hopefully boycott a world class
> orchestra( that does not have 'men' or 'women' in the title), that was
> found to have "not so hidden" discriminatory practices againt
> african-americans, why then, would you be more understanding of an
> orchestra that held these policies in regard to women?
>
> I think the 'silence' on the list, in respect to answering THIS
> question, rather than going off onto some safer tangent, is because most
> people's gut feeling is that, for some illogical reason, they aren't as
> repulsed by disrimination against women as they are by discrimination
> against african-americans and other racial minorities.
>
> Awaiting all responses,
>
> Starr