ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

It annoys me that people are made to feel uncomfortable about these things. Calling a black woman a Gin or a person of mixed breed a half caste, is really no different than calling an Australian an Aussie, a Pom a Pom, a carpenter a chippy or a an electrician a sparky! It is the context that a word is used in that denotes whether it is derogatory or not. Australians have been using slang and nicknames since well before any of us alive today can remember, it is just our social makeup, as is the reason much of our heritage is now demonized. A small minority decide something is not to their liking and make enough noise about it that the do gooders shift the goal posts!

G'day Peter,

As our old mate Frank Daniel has said 'Copyright' means exactly that..... copy right. Who are we to suggest any change in a master's work. I am sure the people who attend poets breakfasts at festivals and pay good money to watch performance competitions would expect to hear a poem 'as written'. There will probably be one or two in the crowd who know the poem and would question it if you strayed from the original. Whatever you decide, I know your performance will be exceptional, as they always are.

Thank you Zondrae, I'll do my best.

An explanation in the intro may help you feel more comfortable...

I agree with everybody else. I certainly wouldn't change it, but if you're feeling a bit uncomfortable about those lines there is no reason why you couldn't make a few introductory comments to place them in context - historical, geographical, social, etc.

...as Robyn has already suggested.

I agree Robyn and Stephen. Peter whenever I think a poem may offend I always do a short preamble just to let the audience know what is coming even if it is only the use of the B word.

I also scan the audience and if any kids are there approach their parents to let them know that some of the material might offend. A common courtesy I think.

Bob

Gees you're cranky lately Marty. My Ma used to shove Eno's liver salts down out throats when we were tetchy. Here's some of my Happy Dust for you. (you'll have to get your own Enos.. ) xx

Gee that was quick...see how my Happy Dust works...yay!...