LABELLING ARTISTS

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

Your editorial of Monday, April 25, landed the University for allowing Pete Seeger to appear despite his alleged affiliation with "left-wing causes and radical activities." This praise is justifiable in light of current political pressure throughout the country. However, the attempt to label each performer's views prior to his appearance represents a dangerous compromise of this principle which the University claims to be upholding. These "labels" have been used far too often to discredit many great names in every profession and field of knowledge.

Especially in folk music an artist must be judged on the merits of his performance. In your editorial you stated that "Seeger himself, during his performance, noted that his were 'propaganda songs'." Rather, Seeger emphasized the anyone can write folk songs, but the songs that last must have something to say (his concert included a Polynesian wedding song, some South African work songs, and an American union song). He spoke of his trips around the country, noting that every different racial and cultural group has "something to say." If an acquaintance with customs and beliefs of the people of American and the world propagates any specific doctrine, then Seeger's songs were propaganda songs. . . . Andrew P. Morrison '58