Antony Bellekom Defends DJ Profession in Guardian Letters Section
Antony Bellekom has penned a compelling response to an article by Phil Mongredien published in the Guardian, which controversially argued that being a DJ does not constitute a proper job because DJs merely take credit for other people's musical work. Bellekom's letter, published in the Guardian's letters section, offers a nuanced defense of DJs while drawing thought-provoking parallels to other professions.
The Core Argument: What DJs Share with Chefs and Politicians
Bellekom begins by addressing Mongredien's central assertion that DJs simply play other people's music. He suggests that if this logic were applied consistently, it would create an interesting lens through which to view numerous other occupations. By that same measure, chefs just use ingredients grown or produced by others, and pharmacists simply dispense medications developed by pharmaceutical researchers. Bellekom extends this analogy to politicians, wryly noting that they probably don't use other people's concerns, hinting at a critique of political detachment.
The letter writer from Collingham, Nottinghamshire, emphasizes that reducing any profession to its component parts overlooks the skill, creativity, and interpretation involved. DJs curate sets, read crowds, blend tracks seamlessly, and create unique atmospheres—all of which require substantial expertise and artistic vision. This defense challenges the notion that using pre-existing materials diminishes professional legitimacy.
Additional Letters: Birdwatching, Keir Starmer, and Royal Mail
The Guardian's letters section that day included several other notable contributions. Judy Evans from Brighton responded to a report about a new Pokémon-style app for birdwatching, sharing nostalgic memories of collecting I-Spy books in the 1950s and 1960s. She recalled being awarded a real feather by Big Chief I-Spy for submitting a watercolor painting of a barn owl she observed nesting near her home.
Shirley Neish from Great Bookham, Surrey, commented on Nesrine Malik's article about Keir Starmer's perceived intangibility. Neish argued that modern society has become overly intrusive, noting that no one would have dreamed of asking former Prime Ministers Clement Attlee or Harold Wilson about their personal phobias or favorite novels.
Chris Walters from Buxton, Derbyshire, humorously addressed Royal Mail's reported prioritization of parcels over letters due to space constraints in sorting offices. He suggested that to ensure letter delivery, one might need to place it inside a large box, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
John Saxbee from Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, contributed to the ongoing discussion about saying thank you, summarizing that while sorry might be the hardest word to say, thank you are the easiest words to forget to say.
The Broader Context: Valuing Diverse Professions
Bellekom's letter serves as a reminder that many professions rely on the work of others while adding unique value through interpretation, combination, and presentation. The debate touches on broader questions about how society values different types of labor and creativity. From culinary arts to healthcare to politics, the interplay between original creation and skilled implementation is complex and often misunderstood.
The Guardian's letters section continues to provide a platform for such thoughtful exchanges, allowing readers to engage with contemporary issues from multiple perspectives. The publication encourages readers to submit their opinions on anything they've read, with letters considered for inclusion in this vibrant section of the newspaper.
