BluegrassPreps Policy
As a BluegrassPreps fan, I am constantly reading political articles and discussing issues related to Kentucky’s government. I do not, however, support or endorse political candidates. In fact, I have never voted for a politician, but I do support and understand many political figures. However, there are a few things I do not condone on this website. Here are some examples of what I do not approve of.
Politics
The use of political language is forbidden in the BluegrassPreps community. This includes direct references to elected or publicly appointed officials and use of their titles or office. Unless explicitly stated, political content is strictly prohibited. Students are not allowed to use names or political terminology to refer to people they disagree with. This includes discussions of current events and social issues. However, some students may use their own names as political references. While this may seem like overkill, it is necessary to protect students’ safety.
The divide between social activism and social preservationism in bluegrass has fueled a number of debates and discussions in the genre. It is difficult to achieve universal approval from a small group of devoted fans, but this fact has led many to believe that traditional bluegrass is dying. As a result, many in the bluegrass community would rather find common ground within jam circles where people can coexist peacefully. As one speaker at a bluegrass business conference in 2011 noted, “we need to agree to disagree.” But polarization is not necessarily healthy for a music scene and should be avoided.
Bluegrass is an increasingly diverse genre and is closely linked to the nation’s political landscape. While traditional bluegrass is overwhelmingly conservative and white, the new generation of bluegrass listeners are more progressive, young, and multi-racial. And musical preferences also correlate to the political divisions. While older bluegrass fans prefer traditional bluegrass, younger listeners gravitate toward experimental styles. It’s hard to imagine how bluegrass fans will survive without political activism.
Political figures
Politics and other public issues have been a controversial topic in American culture for several decades. Bluegrass has been a popular genre for many years, but its recent popularity has been fueled by an urban-minded, liberal audience scattered throughout the country. As a college student from New York City, Maya Rubin, a self-described moderate liberal, can attest to the isolation she feels in her bluegrass-loving peer group. But, thanks to music streaming services, the music can be heard from anywhere.
Although bluegrass is a deeply American cultural form, it is often difficult to define its identity. Progressives and traditionalists alike struggle to define it, and many people within the bluegrass community prefer peaceful coexistence within jam circles. Chris Pandolfi, the president of the Bluegrass Music Association, recently said that “we need to agree to disagree.” The political polarization in bluegrass, however, is a growing problem for the genre’s financial viability.
Politics is a complicated topic for bluegrass, and one that varies depending on the audience. As far as the political climate is concerned, the music’s audience is closely linked to our national identity. The old guard and the bluegrass revivalists are mostly white and conservative while younger, more diverse and more left-leaning. As a result, the musical preferences of these two constituencies do not match up.
Politicians
The BluegrassPreps message board has recently received comments about the use of black body paint. This practice is part of the school’s tradition and has a connection to “black out” games. Although black body paint is meant to show support for the team, some posters have linked it to racist minstrel shows where white actors used blackface. That’s an interesting connection to make, but it is not one that should be encouraged.
Public figures
In the BluegrassPreps community, we strongly discourage discussing politics and public figures. This includes mentioning publicly appointed or elected officials by title or office. We also discourage using political terms and terminology. To avoid any misunderstandings, please abide by the guidelines below and do your part to promote a positive political environment. Read on for more information. Listed below are some common violations. Read the policy carefully before posting on the BluegrassPreps community.