[acedawg00-02]

I see that one male has posted on this thead so far...*pulls up a chair"....so, I guess I'll slide in my piece - LOL! I'm a musician, and I've been on the sax for over 12 years, and I also play the drums for a couple of funk/jazz bands. I personally think that a young male who shows an interest in any musical instrument...hell, just an interest in the ARTS should be embraced and given mad support. We live in an age where societal perception and stereotypes begin to define us before we can even get a running start! So, I challenge you to take a true look at how you say things like, "a flute is not masculine..." or "my child will have his azz on the field playing football." LOL - do we not live up to the stereotypes everyday? I mean, we can run, jump, rap and dance...but we've lost touch with some of our roots. We have the intelligence to express ourselves through any, and all kinds of instruments...and it should be celebrated. There aren't any too many modern black musicians/jazz artists out there....and it has become a genre that is dominated by non-African Americans! We'd rather chase hip-hop dreams, or professional sports contracts...all while (sometimes) putting our education aside...not to mention, our HERITAGE! It is my wish that the position of the young black male is one day defined as, the epitome of various pursuits and accomplishments - but are we willing to accept this idea as the truth?