Popular Culture and Politics

Here is a list of the songs shared on Wednesday:

• The National Anthem by Jimi Hendrix (1969)
• They Don't Care About Us (1996)
• Come to the USA [The Immigration Song] (2010)
• The Government Can (2009)
• Where is the Love (2003)
• Peace Sells (1986)
• The Trees (1978)
• We Shall Overcome (1963)

In class we created a chart that examined: 

• Time Period
• Tone
• Message
• Audience 
• Imact

of each song.  Some of the songs were easier to explain or understand.  

Extension Activities:

1. Choose one song (doesn't have to be your song) and do some research about the time period the song was released.  Find out where the song was on Billboard Charts that year and if the song garnered attention (viral or critical).  Basically put the song within its historical context.   
2. Choose two songs to compare and contrast.  Use our chart topics to begin the comparison/contrast process, but expand by looking at similarities with lyrics, artists, etc.
3. Are certain genres of music more "political" than others?
4. Is it easier to target a group or an individual?  Is it easier to label a group or an individual?  How do these songs support your thoughts?  Write a brief paragraph explaining...

Homework:

1. Please bring in a "political" song if you have NOT yet shared one. Make sure it doesn't have curse words.
2. Study the language used on the four TN amendments.  We'll be going over those next week.
3. Explore Voter Registration Laws in TN and one other state.  TX has been in the news lately with their voter regulations.  
4. Bring in a current or historical political cartoon.  If you can link it to your political song that would be extra-cool.  

Prep for next week:

1. Timeline of US Voting Rights
2. 
   

3.

4. We're still looking at the Judicial System so check out this (longer) video about some important Supreme Court Cases:



We're on the downward slope to the end of the semester.  Only five more classes!  See you next week!