I am a banjoist playing for 10 years now, and wonder why people act like I am a complete and utter moron. They often ask questions such as: "Are you the kid from Deliverance?" and “Are you married to your cousin?” Even more depressing is when I tell them no they say “Sure you’re not. All you banjo guys are the same, it’s just you won’t admit it.” I am tired of the stereotype, what’s even worse is, I’m from Illinois for cryin’ out loud! Hopefully one of the TM’s can help me find a way to cope with this, or at least help me find a better way to resolve it.
I don’t get it either. Banjo gets a bad rap all around, second perhaps only to the pipes. I don’t know much about it, but you listen to someone like Curtis Eller and… really.
Deliverance certainly had an extreme impact on popular culture. Of course, *Dueling Banjoes *was a monster hit along with the movie. (and the line “squeal like a pig”)
Banjos of course are associated with bluegrass/country, so as country music - it begins with a less than intellectual reputation. As a less than mainstream, backwoods version of country, the association to intellectually challenged is not surprising.
The banjo is then associated with the whole Appalachian hillbilly image, which deservedly or not, has a bad image in the more advanced areas of the country, where rap music and hip-hop is respeced for the intellectual content and artistic quality that bluegrass lacks. (Hint - sarcasm)
Could be worse. You could be playing a ukulele. Or an accordian…
It just seems to be popular in poorer regions of the country, but honestly when you listen to someone who really knows what they’re doing I think meatal heads could learn a thing or three from those “hicks”.
OK, I understand why you object to the incest stereotype, but what’s so bad about being thought a hick? All that “hick” means is “country folk”, and the banjo is certainly associated with country culture.
This, along with a generation of *Deliverance *jokes, is the primary reason. Unlike other bluegrass instruments like the guitar or violin which exist in multiple genres the banjo’s inherent ‘twanginess’ for lack of a better word just doesn’t translate well into others.
The banjo however is most definitely a legitimate musical instrument requiring skill and thousands of hours of devotion to be able to play. If somebody can’t appreciate that, fuck 'em!
Y’know, I think the violin is the only musical instrument that changes its name based on the style of music it’s being used to play. Why is it usually called a “fiddle” in folk contexts, but “violin” in classical?
The same reason they act like I’m a complete moron. I play the spoons (hence my username), and as such, I am not supposed to understand anything musical. Who can claim to understand music when they play “instruments” from the kitchen drawer, after all?
In actual fact, I also play piano and flute, and I sing. I’ve studied all of the above. I can read music. I’ve played spoons with some top Canadian country/Celtic stars; and played on stage in such Celtic hotbeds as Halifax NS, St. John’s NF, and Charlottetown, PEI. I was taught by a Cape Bretoner who told me to take my music to the rest of Canada; and so, I do.
Banjo is a fine instrument. Love to play with you sometime. Never mind what anybody else says.
I came in here to mention Steve Martin. He is considered one of the smarest and most all-around talented people today. In addition to the banjo, he is a stand up comedian, dramactic actor, writer and painter.
