When my grandfather left Inverness with his family to come to Australia as a ten-year old boy, thus contributing to the vast diaspora of the Scottish people, physically he brought with him little more than a suitcase with a handful of clothes in it. Spiritually, however, and emotionally, he brought so much more. He was terribly proud of his background, and he instilled this into my father, to whom he taught the bagpipes from when he was a young boy. My grandfather was considered one of the best bagpipe players in the state, performing at various events and winning several awards. But he did not play for this; he played as it brought him joy, and because it allowed him to travel back to his homeland through the splendour of his music.
Thompson (cited in Rantanen, 2005) writes that globalisation refers to ‘the growing interconnectedness of different parts of the world, a process which gives rise to complex forms of interaction and interdependency.’ There is no doubt that music of many varying forms has helped connect different parts of the world, and the bagpipes are no exception. Similarly, just as music has the capacity to break through language barriers, musical instruments can increasingly help our interaction with different cultures.
My father encouraged me to take up the bagpipes just as his father had done with him, and while this brought me closer to my roots, an argument could be made that this connection was always there and simply needed a push to come to the surface. But if you think of bands like AC/DC and Dropkick Murphys, and the influence they have had in helping popularise the bagpipes, it is easy to see Thompson’s point. These bands travel all over the world plying their trade, and in doing so help people from countries throughout Asia and South America, for example, to relate closely with their music. This in turn has encouraged people from a range of different social backgrounds to travel to Scotland, increasing the global flow, and many international bands now perform annually at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
All of this gives strength to Rantanen’s (2005) argument that globalisation is ‘a process in which worldwide economic, political, cultural and social relations have become increasingly mediated across time and space.’ Learning to play the bagpipes has certainly influenced my life in a positive manner, but then again, even for those who don’t play, you could almost argue the same point.
Reference List
Rantanen, T 2005, ‘Theorizing media and globalization’, Media and globalization 2005, Sage Publications, London, pp. 1-18.
The Dropkick Murphys continue to influence worldwide audiences with their music
Absolutely brilliant post here Lachie.
ReplyDeleteI found that the way to introduced the topic, with a familial anecdote really encouraged me to read on and find out how and why you were writing this post. While bagpipes, as you've said, are either loved or hated, it was really good to have an explanation as to why you believe they are involved with the gloablisation of the world. Linking back to the topic at hand, Rantanen's 2005 piece, remained strong throughout the post and gave the readers back up information, so it wasn't just all hearsay.
All I could think about was the Dropkick Murphy's as I read through this piece, and I'm happy that you brought them up, seeing as they are on a global platform now and not just known in small places.
Great work here Lachie,
ReplyDeleteYour introduction encouraged me to read on, as the simple background story of your grandfather compelled me to find out how the unique qualities of the bagpipe have positive global effects. While it is obviously a very personal thing for you, it was good that you maintained focus on the subject matter throughout the post. Your links provided an interesting background for the reader and helped clarify your main points. Rantanen's reading was competently connected to your topic, and some additional sources would have further strengthened your contention.
Nice post!
First of all, the bagpipes are so awesome! It’s great to hear of those who hold on to their past and make it a bold part of their identity. The use of Rantanen’s idea about the interconnectedness of the world and the resultant complex forms is so clear in the identity of your grandfather and even your father. Your grandfather was a foreigner introduced to a new land and with it he brought a piece of culture from his homeland, and your father is a resultant form of globalised connectivity. I also liked how you saw the bagpipes as a catalyst for your connection, rather than the only connection you have left, as inside you and your family will always be part of two worlds.
ReplyDelete