From the beginning of the band in 1979, Brave Combo has benefited directly from the flow of immigrants into the USA. As well, we have stood beside those who have been abused and whose music has been maligned and/or ridiculed, if not completely ignored. The polka scene receives all of the benefits of forced segregation, which are none. Brave Combo has been fighting a battle against racism, prejudice and judgmental attitudes for almost 40 years and these days it feels like our attempts to open eyes and ears and minds have all been in vain. Even after many immigrants receive full legal status as American citizens the abuse and prejudice continue, whether one's family is from Mexico, Iran or Poland. Some people simply believe "different is bad and/or wrong."