"Remember, this was a world that was still ethnically separated. I was thirteen and ignorant of the social situation in America, but I felt these records were better than what my own culture was turning out"

This quote by Roy Harper sheds light on a period of cultural and social improvement, stressing personal and societal distinctions in musical gratitude versus the backdrop of ethnic separation. Harper recalls a time when society was clearly divided along ethnic lines, which likely refers to the mid-20th century when racial partition prevailed in many parts of the world, consisting of America.

Harper's admission of being "thirteen and oblivious of the social situation in America" highlights a vibrant naivety. At that age, he might have been unaware of the complex socio-political characteristics and the battles surrounding partition and civil rights. Yet, his experience with music went beyond these limits, recommending a universal language capable of connecting people beyond social divisions.

Harper's declaration also shows a self-critical perspective on his cultural outputs, suggesting a perception that other cultures-- potentially American, given the context-- were producing music that resonated more profoundly with him. This shows the more comprehensive impact of American music, particularly jazz, blues, and later rock and roll, which were categories born out of African American experiences and were gaining amazing traction worldwide throughout Harper's youth. His preference for these records over his own cultural music could indicate a yearning for innovation and expression he discovered more compelling in American music.

This quote is an insightful reflection on how art, particularly music, frequently crosses cultural and ethnic divides, affecting individuals in spite of broader social bias. It also underscores the idea that cultural appreciation typically takes place irrespective of the listener's background, showing that creative value can sometimes change understandings and cause personal growth and a more comprehensive understanding of different cultures. Harper's recommendation of these records as "better" may mean the transformative power of art to inspire and prompt change in thinking, even in a world still grappling with ethnic separation.