One of my favorite things that I get to do is volunteer as a chaperon for my boys' field trips. We get to go to exciting places, I get to know their friends better and all in all it's usually a great time. Recently, we went on a field trip to the Ordway Theater to see "A Tribute to James Brown". I was thrilled. Although, I didn't think that a group of 7-10 year old children would enjoy it quite as much as me. Now this production was supposed to show Africa's influence on funk music through the use of traditional, tribal, African songs; slavery folk songs, and James Brown funk. I think most of the children were lost on the message but they all enjoyed watching, listening and "seat" dancing.
Overall it was a great experience until we were back at the school. I took all the girls to the restroom where I ran into one of the teachers who was also at the concert. He politely asked me what I thought of the production. I responded that I really enjoyed it to which he replied, and I quote, "Yeah, I never knew James Brown had so much influence on Africa." I stopped, dumb founded. I didn't know what to do, what to say or what to think. I read his facial expressions and he was dead serious. I gauged my surroundings and decided against dropping a "WTF" in front of 25 small children. I didn't really think now was the time or place to give a history lesson and then I thought even further...this guy is teaching kids...this is the best for our children's futures. So I decided on the most appropriate act at the moment. I immediately turned, grabbed all the girls and walked away while he stood there wondering.
I hope someday he realizes that James Brown did not influence Africa but really I just didn't have the time to fix him. He seemed as though he might be one of the lost causes. So maybe it's really not the kids just their educators.
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