"As for non-western influences, they're fine once one puts them into context; they're all (objectively and historically) inferior to the western traditions (that applies to art, music, literature, etc.)." I'm sorry, Svigor, but I just can't agree with that sentiment. I don't know why, and can't explain myself properly, but to me it seems to be a somewhat arrogant attitude. You seem to be suggesting that cultures other than the Western ones are inferior. I just don't agree. Personally I PREFER the Western idiom. It's what I was brought up with. And if you want to impress the majority of the (buying) public, then Western influences rule. But, as you stated, it's nature AND nurture. And if you are nurtured in a different culture, your view of nature becomes slanted by the art that's in that culture. None are superior or inferior. Just different. I can't make head nor tail of Australian Aborigine art, but that doesn't make the art inferior, nor the tradition behind it. It just makes ME inferior, for not understanding it. But I suspect you and I are just going to have to agree to differ. Anyway, I'll shut up now. Cheers, Diolma