It has often been said that “black people have soul,” and they have rhythm. We know this is true because they are some of the best and greatest entertainers, singers, and dancers around the world. As a percentage goes, there are far more black entertainers in the musical arts than any other culture or demographic grouping. But is it really true that black people have more rhythm than white people?
Most white people cannot dance as well as black people and everyone knows this. Both black and white people often laugh about this, it’s a stereotype, yes that’s true, but the fact is in observation we realize that white people can’t hold a candle to black people when it comes to dancing and rhythm.
But it turns out that all humans have rhythm, yes even white people. In fact, in the book “This Is Your Brain on Music,” by Daniel J. Levitin, he explains how all humans have rhythm, and why they have rhythm. You see, every human body and biosystem has a set of rhythms, and periodic frequencies which are either constant or always slightly changing.
We all have heartbeats, pulse rates, brainwaves, and when we move, we have muscle twitch rates, and the rates at which we step on the ground when we walk, or run. All these are natural rhythms.
Sometimes it’s hard for certain humans to get into the rhythm of music, but all humans are able to do this eventually. Depending on the type of music and the rhythms of the particular body, will depend upon how easy it is to get into the flow.
So, if you are a white person like me, let it be known that there is still hope for you yet. Don’t let anyone tell you that just because you are white that you have no rhythm, you just have to work a little harder to get there. Please consider all this.
Tags: music art