Questions and other ideas for discussion:
• Can you relate to the message displayed by the musicians? Do the musicians share a common message? Do the works of these musicians display historical events?—ChS
• Is one genre of music best suited for protest? If so which genre?—BF
• In the Bessie Smith song what makes this song a protest song? Is the message very strong?—PW
• I did some research on “strange fruit” and would simply like to share what I found in class for my idea.—AR
• My idea is about the song, “Mississippi Goddam.” The artist uses subtle humor in the introduction and in parts of the song. What is the effect of this humor when contrasted with the overall dark tone of the song?—WF
• With the use of a more traditional sound and near prose poetry do you think Gil Scott Heron creates an effective protest song? Would this reach other groups like James Brown or N.W.A.?—EA
• Do you think the song The Revolution Will Not Be Televised by Gil Scott Heron is an effective way to get the point across? Is it more effective than the songs by N.W.A. or James Brown?—JC
• Discuss the power of modern media like TV (Gil Scott-Heron). One example: Obama’s campaign using twitter and facebook to win presidency against John McCain four years ago.—PY
• “God is smiling on you but he’s frowning too Because only God knows what you’ll go through”, Could this be the thesis for Grandmaster Flash’s song?—SM
• “Stand Up”–Freddy Franchise—CS