What is the great white tone?

Scripture speaks of certain sounds or musical tenors used as rallying cries for a people. The trumpets of Israel were instrumental in bringing down the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6). Moses sang to celebrate the Hebrew people's rescue from Egypt (Exodus 15). Even today, some audible cues have a more profound influence on certain groups. Among the most enduring of these is the so-called "great white tone."

In certain areas of North America, particularly between April and October, it's common to hear the strains of this "great white tone" being joined by the voices of Caucasians who instinctively react to the call-and-response led by the phrase "Sweet Caroline…"

"…BUM BUM BUUUUUUUUM!"

Like clockwork, this musical component inspires white people to belt out a descending series of three syllables. Few other tones have had this effect on those of European descent. However, while such sonic inspiration leans towards one particular people group, it's not exclusive. While "the great white tone" is renowned for its effect on those of European ethnicity, innumerable people of all races likewise have the same conditioned response. This influence is most pronounced in those who live in the northeastern US, hate people wearing pinstripes, and struggle to pronounce the endings of words like "car," "bar," and "harbor."

The nuances of this effect mean the great white tone can't be used as any kind of litmus test or judgment. Unlike the great white throne, where God will assess the lives of unbelievers, there are no certain conclusions to be gained by seeing who responds to hearing "I've been inclined…."

"…BUM BUM BUUUUUUUUM!"

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