Programming and Perspective

This summer The Phantom Regiment is doing a show in tribute to Joan of Arc and the empowerment of women. There is an intense response online because the show design does not include any music by women composers. A decent amount of people support the program design and have pushed back against criticisms and described critics as being too sensitive, too PC, out of line because the corps has selected "the best music" for the show, etc.

I have been scolded and told I should be ashamed of myself and I am being hurtful to the designers and members. I love the Phantom Regiment and want it to survive and thrive. The members deserve the best possible design to have the best chance at success. This is why I have my opinions.

Here is Phantom's own description of the program:
"In a time when the world needed someone to stand up, hers was the voice that ignited change. The 2019 Phantom Regiment celebrates bold, empowered women and the spirit of revolution through the lens of Joan of Arc, one of the world’s most prolific independent women. Sometimes when you are willing to stand alone, the whole world will listen."
...to music by white, male composers.

What if it said...
"In a time when the world needed someone to stand up, his was the voice that ignited change. The 2019 Phantom Regiment celebrates bold, empowered minorities and the spirit of revolution through the lens of Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the world’s most prolific independent men. Sometimes when you are willing to stand alone, the whole world will listen."
...to music by white, male composers.

Or said...
"In a time when the world needed someone to stand up, theirs was the voice that ignited change. The 2019 Phantom Regiment celebrates the bold, empowered LGBTQ Community and the spirit of revolution through the lens of Lena Waithe, one of the world’s most prolific independent women. Sometimes when you are willing to stand alone, the whole world will listen."
...to music by white, male, straight composers.
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I don't think anyone would think these are well thought out ideas. My point is, we need to seek perspectives in art forms from the people it represents. Just consider that we filter our lives through our own experience and if that is one of a white, straight male, then it might be healthy to include an additional perspective.