Conflict and Morality in Appalachian ballads and Mexican corridos

This paper presentation will compare the ballad traditions of Appalachia and the US/Mexico border and how their shared themes and moralities have been shaped by distinct factors, especially conflict. The author will trace the two traditions of Mexican corridos and Appalachian ballads from their common Old World origins to the distinct geographic, political, economic, and social factors that have shaped the New World traditions. The comparison will be framed with anthropologist Manuel Peña’s concept of the Dialect of Conflict, or how class and/or ethnic differences can create hostile, two-sided relationships. Using the dialectic of conflict, the author will examine how conflict between classes in Appalachia and between ethnic groups along the US/Mexico border have created similar themes and moralities represented in the music, and how these are used by the communities in conflict. Finally, the paper will explore how music can be used by communities and groups as a form of social or cultural resistance in the face of past and emerging conflicts