I have been trying to articulate exactly what the "steelband movement" is/was, ever since joining WST. I must admit my frustration, that most still just don't get it, much less respect the fact that this "movement", more than any of the improvements to the instrument or the genre, has had a greater impact on improving the conditions for steelbands and their members. I have also been made aware that my posts offends some (due to content and length), so I'll keep my definition of the "steelband movement" to myself, unless solicited to share it. That said, I open the forum, and pose the questions to you all.
Finally, ANY attempt to silence me, will not work, and as LONG as I am a WST member, I will continue to present discussions that, obviously, will be met with some resistance. That response is not new to the exploding of myths and uncovering of lies, and NONE of (you) "agents" will EVER intimidate me, for I am a revolutionary THINKER! In the likes of KWAME TURE - My "Trinidad" hero!
GHOST.
Replies
FYI - Those involved in the struggles, from the late forties to the late sixties, ALWAYS referred to their social struggle, as a "movement", and NEVER, as a "culture". What is more "culture", is banging on chairs in "De North Stands", and what will soon be "culture", will be the "all-inclusive" (code for "exclusive", for you separate people economically) social club, known as "The Greens", where "green", is not the only colour they see, and one colour they prefer not to see. Now, that's "culture"!!! Throw in "Mr. Fete", and some "rum, rum, rum" Chutney, and you've got the "culture" thing ON LOCK!
GHOST
"An ATTITUDE becomes a BEHAVIOR. A BEHAVIOR becomes a HABIT. A HABIT becomes a LIFESTYLE. A LIFESTYLE becomes a CULTURE. Change the ATTITUDE, and you affect the CULTURE!" George D. Goddard
"Technological discoveries are the spermatozoa of social change." C.L.R. James (my best Afro-Caribbean Studies professor). The Steelband (steel pan or steel drum) not excluded!!
Thanks,
Terry
We do sometimes use the expression,"steel-band movement" but I think of it more as the "steel-band culture" in the same way as we use the expression "Hip hop culture" to refer to youth around the world who have embraced hip hop-, its style, its language and of course its music.
I know that there is a world wide steel-band culture.
Though many are unaware or vaguely aware that the steel-band exists, steel-band has a world wide following of fans who know or try to learn the origins, the history, the language,and the music of the pan.
They "ketch de pan jumbie".
This is the steel-band culture.
Though a relative small group taken in context of world population, this is the group that we hope will grow with time and exposure.
As to the steel-band movement, a movement needs strong organizational leadership, which the"steel-band movement" certainly lacks at this time.
Glen, I sense that you too recognize, by your own words, the distinction being made by Pan'tum between Steelband Culture and Steelband Movement. The movement, you say, "....needs strong organization leadership." To which, I dare add: for the benefit of its membership, which should include ALL (tuners, pan players, composer/arrangers) who strive to make the instrument and its music possible.
Believe me, there is a reason for me trying to get this right, for a similar situation (Steelband Organiztion vs Government control/interference) seems to also exist in Antigua.
Terry
Glenroy, I disagree. The "Steelband Movement" more closely resembles the "Civil Rights Movement", when looked at from a socio-political viewpoint. It is this sort of confusion, that helps me to understand why so many still DO NOT see the significance of the works my dad did, and if viewed from the proper perspective, a different "history" emerges. Not of the "culture" of a people, but the STRUGGLE of a people. Of course, the "hip hop culture", when it originated, was about the voice of those opposed to social conditions, and of rebellion and revolution, pretty much the same as ANY art form that comes out of the pain of the downtrodden, "powerless", and oppressed. In my opinion pan, as a "music", is more akin to American Blues (beginning with the Delta Blues) and Jazz, than hip hop, at, least, as "hip hop" is today. That's my take. Hotep (Peace)
GHOST
Pan'tum: The picture I am getting from reading many of your posts, is that the "Steelband Movement", spearheaded by your father, is akin to the Workers Trade Union Movement (throught the Caribbean) during the late 1930s thru early 1950s. My take is:
1:> That the "Steelband Movement" naturally supports and values the many stages of steel pan's physical and tonal improvements, the varied genre of Pan's musical expression, the ever expanding venues for said expression.......from panyard to Buckingham Palace, White House, or Space Station.
2:> That the onus, however, of the "Steelband Movement" is to assure the welfare of ALL Steel Pan "workers", (the membership), from tuner to arranger for: (example), fair wages, royalties, health insurance, property rights, safety conditions, credit union, burial (at least) insurance and all other benefits & rights that currently, and in the future, may be deemed necessary.
I know you said (it) "more closely resembles the "Civil Rights Movement" ......so I am subject to correction.....
My goal is to better understand.
Terry.
Pan'Tum: I, with all sincerity, would love to know the answer to these questions, posed three months ago.
And, in fiurtherance of my desire to be more informed, are copies your father's book available?
Respecfully,
Terry
Hey Terry, I think that by my posts, you should get a clear understanding about what the "steelband movement" is. Like the Civil Rights Movement, it is SIMILAR in era, social issues, class and race issues, and "ex-slave" "transition" into a dominant and oppressive society. There is NO difference between the history of Blacks in the Civil Rights Movement and Blacks in the Steelband Movement, and just like the former, there were Whites, and others, who became a part of the "movement". And like any other "struggle" (which is what ANY "movement" is about), there have been successes and failures, highs and lows, and periods of activity and dormancy. I think we are in a new wave of activity, for certainly the "movement" will ALWAYS be relevant, as long as the there continue to be issues impacting the everyday lives of the average panman and panwoman in Trinidad & Tobago, the BIRTHPLACE OF THE STEEL DRUM or PAN! As for my dad's book, we are working on republishing it, and it should become available within the next year, or so. Hope this answers your questions. Hotep (Peace.)
GHOST