187  ... the american way

Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2001 19:52:53 -0500
From: "Frank G. Williams" <frankw@MAIL.AHC.UMN.EDU>
Subject: Re: ... the american way

Greetings Nauj,

I don't know to what exact US cities you refer, but divisiveness
in tango is surely not only a No. American phenomenon. Among those with
a financial stake in tango, divisiveness equals selfishness, and no
culture has a monopoly on selfishness. I have personally seen evidence
of jealousies that were as strong in Bs.As.as anywhere I have traveled
in the US. The negative comments/feelings may be hidden from view to
foreigners by gracious but superficial manners, or by the (I think
admirable) tendency of Argentines to "close ranks" relative to
outsiders. I merely observe this situation without implied criticism.
It's human nature.

Tango community divisions north of the equator are widely recognized on
the traveling teacher's grapevine, which is more extensive and
"mercurial" than many might realize! Justified or not, communities
develop reputations or "personalities" that are hidden from daily view
almost like a credit rating. It takes alot of exemplary work by
unselfish people to undo the careless damage caused by negativity and
gossip.

There are obviously many unselfish and inspirational dancers in Bs.As.
as well as in the cities that were named. But there are lovely people
everywhere. They are not hard to recognize. And as an "outsider", one
need not be concerned with (petty?) local rivalries unless, perhaps,
you're also a traveling teacher. After all, Calo, Biagi and Pugliese
sound pretty much the same regardless of one's location.

Cheers,

Frank in Minneapolis
--

Frank G. Williams, Ph.D. University of Minnesota
frankw@mail.ahc.umn.edu Dept. of Neuroscience
(612) 625-6441 (office) 321 Church Street SE
(612) 624-4436 (lab) Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 281-3860 (cellular/home)