French in the Morning 01:Bonjour le Monde!

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This first episode of this podcast is like the first part of an academic study where the scholar establishes the object of study, some definitions, and some theoretical perspective. Specifically, I give my definition of “Cajun radio” and my way of viewing this phenomenon. The use of French on the radio is a key aspect in my definition, though the reasons for using French have changed over time. At the very least, a show must play some Cajun music (with French lyrics) to be included in my study.]

While my research is focused on one particular ethnic group, I do hope the work is relevant to a broader audience. In particular, I focus on this question: How does one ethnic group maintain its identity in the face of this overwhelming, assimilationist, homogenizing, corporate pop culture that seems to be enveloping not only the United States, but maybe even the world? Cajuns have been living in Louisiana since the late 1700s. How is it that they still maintain a link to their language? How is it they still maintain something distinct as a culture? For Cajuns, radio has a been a central way to maintain a sense of identity.

I also look at humor. There’s a difference between exploitation and appropriation, and appreciation, you know? If a person is a member of an ethnic group and speaks with a slang or an accent and adopts certain stereotypes, if the performer is from that ethnic group, it means something. When Cajun comedians tell jokes, you can kind of laugh at the knowing, insider knowledge. But then when other people do it, it suddenly seems offensive. And what is that line? Different Cajun radio comedians have sometimes crossed the line. But these are the kind of things that I look at: politics of language, the way humor is used to represent a minority ethnic group, and also how radio can be used to preserve a language and kind of keep it going.

This episode also has my commentary on a news article from the Eunice News, Sept. 26, 1925. (reproduced to the LEFT)

The closing tune is “Between Eunice and Opelousas” by Travis Matte.

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