Whose House Music? We need to stand up for an inclusive club culture in Scotland
[CONTENT WARNING: Racist, misogynistic, homophobic and transphobic slurs and imagery]
From its birth in The Warehouse in Chicago and the Paradise Garage in New York, House music was first played by and for a largely black queer crowd. The political, social and sexual impact of dance music was huge, in a society fraying along lines of class, race, sexuality and gender. Though UK Rave culture lacked some of the political relevance of Chicago House, the early 90’s motto of “Peace, Love, Unity and Respect” (PLUR) proved that, even on this side of the pond, the values surrounding the music were important.
Clubs like The Warehouse & The Paradise Garage catered for a mainly black, queer crowd.
These clubs and nights, and the parties and communities surrounding them have undoubtedly been romanticised, but the association of underground electronic music with diversity, acceptance and histories of struggle is clear.
Yet the electronic music scene today seems to be drifting further and further from this history; instead of marginalised groups being respected and centred, those in charge are instead creating a culture which is toxic and exclusionary.
As if to perfectly demonstrate what we mean, Jackmaster, one of Glasgow’s most famous House DJ’s and cofounder of the record label Numbers posted a transphobic photo and comment on social media last week.....
Continued at:- .https://athousandflowers.net/2016/05/29/whose-house-music-we-need-to-stand-up-for-an-inclusive-club-culture/
