Protest music: Protest music is music that aims to send social messages and make a change (associated with a movement for social change or other current events through music).
Prompt: Choose a song of your choice that you feel qualifies as an example of modern “protest music.” Explain why you feel this song fits the criteria of being a “protest music.” Then, compare and/or contrast this song with some of the music that we have discussed from earlier protest movements in the United States. Discuss how you see this modern protest song as continuing the legacy of earlier protest music in America.
Guidelines:
You must use Chicago style citations (footnotes and a bibliography page) in order to cite your sources. We are using Notes-Bibliography style. You do not need to include footnotes when you are referencing your chosen song. Any other evidence or material taken from any source (including other songs) must include a footnote and entry in the bibliography page!
Essays must be at least 650 words (not including your footnotes/bibliography!). Put the word count in the top right hand corner of your paper beneath your name and date.
Essays should be in Times New Roman font, double spaced, and have one inch margins.
Your essay must include a discussion of at least three of the following songs as they relate to your chosen song: (these are the songs we talked about in class)
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” by James Weldon Johnson (1899) – Lyrics
“Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday (1939) – Lyrics
“Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan (1962) – Lyrics
“Mississippi Goddam” by Nina Simone (1964) – Lyrics
“A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke (1964) – Lyrics
“Here’s to the State of Mississippi” by Phil Ochs (1965) – Lyrics
“A Long Walk to D.C.” by The Staple Singers (1968) – Lyrics
“Say it Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” by James Brown (1968) – Lyrics
“What’s Going On?” by Marvin Gaye (1971) – Lyrics
“The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five (1982) – Lyrics
“Fight The Power” by Public Enemy (1989) – Lyrics
“Changes” by 2Pac feat. Talent (1992) – Lyrics
“U.N.I.T.Y.” by Queen Latifah (1993) – Lyrics
“Sound of da Police” by KRS-One (1993) – Lyrics
“Mathematics” by Mos Def (1999) – Lyrics
