Spokane and standing ovations

The debate has been going on for decades.

Are Spokane audiences too quick to respond to a performance with a standing O?

I have to admit, I used to think the answer was an emphatic YES.

But now, I’m not so sure. I mean, really, what’s the harm?

OK, maybe rewarding a so-so concert or whatever with a standing ovation might mark us as easily impressed. Perhaps it makes us look unsophisticated.

There are worse things.

All right, not every single show merits an on-our-feet round of cheering and applause. And if a standing ovation has become perfunctory, you could argue it has lost its meaning.

But if the music moved you, what’s the harm in showing your exuberance?

Feel free to disagree.