Controversy on the Internet
For the uninitiated, it can be difficult to understand why people love a cappella. Heck, even for those of us who do actively enjoy it, it can be difficult to put into words why we enjoy this art form so. While we’ll never have a truly comprehensive list of everything cool about a cappella, 200 Reasons to Love A Cappella is our best attempt at assembling a list of what makes it great.
Reason #170: Controversy on the Internet
This selection for the reasons I love a cappella may seem counterintuitive. After all, who likes controversy on the Internet? Many of the world’s sane citizens have taken to dodging comments sections or “hiding” friends on Facebook whose posts they know will only rile them up.
But here’s the thing about controversy on the Internet, particularly as it applies to the contemporary a cappella world: there’s controversy because people care.
When no one cares, no one gets angry. But when people engage in a heated debate about who did or did not win a competition or award, about best practices in engineering live sound, about mixing and mastering technique, or about who was left off of a high-profile countdown, it all points toward a passionate community. Yes, these controversies can be petty or grow mean spirited, but as long as they’re rooted in a place of knowledgeable, invested parties participating in a discourse, that’s the sign of a healthy a cappella scene.
I love it!