"I got hooked into folk music by accident, because that's what white college kids liked when I was a child"

In this quote, Stephen Stills reflects on the serendipitous nature of his introduction to folk music, a category that would substantially shape his musical profession. Stills suggests that his direct exposure to and eventual enthusiasm for folk music were not the results of intentional option or cultural inheritance but rather the results of circumstantial impacts throughout his developmental years.

The mention of "white college kids" offers context for the social and cultural scene of the time. During the 1960s, folk music saw a renewal in appeal, especially among young, educated, and primarily white audiences in the United States. These college students were drawn to folk music for its viewed credibility, its political and social messages, and its connections to both the American past and modern motions for civil rights and social change.

Stills's usage of the term "mishap" underscores the unplanned manner in which cultural trends can shape a person's trajectory. It implies a particular passivity or lack of company in how he experienced the genre-- folk music was just what prevailed and accessible within his environment. This unintended exposure, however, would show to be fortuitous. Folk music's focus on storytelling, acoustic instrumentation, and lyrical profundity would end up being foundational aspects in Stills's own musicianship.

Furthermore, Stills's quote can be seen as a commentary on the wider characteristics of cultural transmission. It highlights how cultural choices typically diffuse through social groups and networks, often going beyond racial and socioeconomic borders. This diffusion is not always deliberate; rather it can take place naturally through the interactions and influences present in one's instant surroundings.

In hindsight, Stills recognizes that the cultural proclivities of a specific market-- university student at the time-- played a crucial role in his musical advancement. His words recommend an appreciation for the serendipity of these impacts and acknowledge the intricate interplay between personal experiences and wider cultural currents. This reflection, for that reason, not just records the unintentional nature of his musical journey but also highlights the unforeseeable paths through which cultural affinities are formed.