Whiteness as property in music education: considering the acceptance of Hamilton: an American Musical

ABSTRACT

In consideration of white music educators’ perceptions of and engagement with matters of race and music, the purpose of this qualitative study was to problematise the acceptance and valuation of Hamilton, and possible hypervaluation of Whiteness through the perceptions and experiences of eight White music educators who were fans of the show. The research was guided by the following questions: (1) Does this acceptance of Hamilton reflect the repertoire and cultures included in their music curricula?; (2) Does Hamilton function as propertized Whiteness thereby deeming it worthy of inclusion in music education settings?; and (3) Does the experience that is Hamilton pass as white, therefore making it feel comfortable and accessible to white music educators commonly uncomfortable with rap music? Interviews were analysed using a framework of whiteness as property including: rights of disposition, rights to use and enjoyment, reputation as property, and the absolute right to exclude.

KEYWORDS:

• Music education
• Hamilton
• whiteness as property
• critical race theory

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/23793406.2023.2177560

Notes

1. An online search for ‘Hamilton 2016 Tonys’ will bring up options to watch this scene.

2. http://www.broadwayleague.com/index.php?url_identifier=the-demographics-of-the-broadway-audience.

3. Chernow, Ron. (2005). Alexander Hamilton. New York: Penguin Group.

4. Culturally responsive teaching refers to the work of education scholar Geneva Gay.

5. Yo! MTV Raps was the first show on the music channel to feature rap music. It aired from 1987–1995 in the U.S.

6. The lyrics are from the song ‘Wannabe’ (1996) by the Spice Girls on the album Spice.

7. ‘Amish Paradise’ is from the album Bad Hair Day (1996).

8. ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ is from the album of the same name (1996).

9. ‘Itsy Bitsy Spider’ is a finger play for young children. She makes the point that her students make the point that they are not identified only by their race or ethnicity or economic status, but also by their inclusion in mainstream education culture that includes such standards as ‘Itsy Bitsy.’

10. Marie Kondo is an organisation specialist known for her television show ‘Tidying Up.’ She encourages getting rid of anything that does not spark joy and happiness.

11. “Ten Duel Commandments “ is from the Hamilton soundtrack (2015).

12. ‘Ten Crack Commandments’ is from the album Life After Death (1997).