So I was thinking about the Grateful Dead concert I posted and how that was a continuance of the oral tradition. Ong would say no, because the fact that it's recorded makes it basically a type of print. But I think that that is just part of the secondary orality-- it's what we have to work with. Storytelling, concerts, and conversations can only take place in the true primary oral sense if they are experienced in person. The second orality has to capture the opportunities technology has to offer in order to manifest itself.
SO, talking about secondary orality in the world today. I think a really good way to look at it is through the use of musical recordings and concerts. When an artist performs a song in a different style, or covers a song from a another artist, they are carrying on the message of that song with their own added flavors. This is very similar to the way oral cultures performed storytelling. The audience would listen closely, learn the story, and then retell it in their own ways.
A good example is the song Gin and Juice by Snoop Dog and a cover done by The Gourds. All you need to hear is the first few lyrics, but if you can listen up to the chorus it is awesome (Explicit Lyric Warning):
Did you find some differences? Stylistically the song has changed completely, but the core of the song is still exactly the same. Think about what this means. Snoop Dogg rapping on stage is going to attract a completely different demographic compared to a country bluegrass band from Austin, Texas. The different styles of storytelling make the story more available. Does that make one version better than another? That isn't even an argument. The fact is that it is two storytellers doing what they do in two different ways.
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