I have another thought..
Especially about Cajun music, polka.... Bohemians,(they originated polka)Czech, German, Austrian, Cajun etc cultures are dwindling because of a dilution of the species..
They do not always partner up with their own, and as a consequence drift farther away from their centers.

One exception is Quebec where traditions remain strong and seem to be growing rather than diminishing. I believe this is in part to a very strong nationalism, Quebecers (Quebecois ? ) are continually striving to part with the Country of Canada, and instead of being a state or territory, want to be an independent country.

They are fiercely jingoistic and nationalistic..and want to maintain their culture. They resist speaking English..as an example.. some do and practice it, but for their own reasons nothing to do with assimilation.



Just a thought.

Too complex?

Read that.. It's a cultural thang.

Even here in SW Louisiana, the audiences are dying off. That's right the Cajuns that enjoy going out to dance aren't going out as much because they have finally started to give in to the simple fact that there's not much reason to go out and celebrate anymore. They see their children struggling with money, family drama, job loss, freak accidents, politics, insurance cost, food cost, supplies cost, etc. and their outlook on life is affected by all this. The baby boomer generation and older are the one's who are most likely to attend Cajun dances. You can only ignore that gaping wound in your leg for so long before it forces you to pay attention to it. Death is a big deterrant to having good times. Bad times are also a deterrant to having good times.

Is the sky falling ?? : )