This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Seldes discusses his recent trip to the West Indies. He speaks of a "fire dance." He speaks of the cultural significance of this traditional dance, but notes that no one was sure of its heritage. He wonders if American parades and traditional events are less exciting and lack spontaneity.
He discusses Western television shows being made less violent. He calls the removal of the "bad guy from the bar" a violence to the spirit of America. He also notes that he regrets the disappearance of comical minority characters in television.
He moves on to discuss jazz, calling it "one of the ways the United States has conquered the world."
Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection
WNYC archives id: 70599
Municipal archives id: LT7555