Protest Music: Singing Through the Hatred

Read the lyrics for both “Strange Fruit” and “I’m Black and I’m Proud.” These are both songs that aimed to end racial discrimination, but went about doing so in very different ways. Your job is to discuss, with your group members, your response to the songs, based on the following guiding questions.

 

•      Compare the two songs. How are they different and similar?

•      What kinds of emotions are the artists appealing to? Take into account the tempo, delivery of the songs, and lyrics.

•      Do you think that the songs were effective? Did they achieve their goals?

•      Which one was a more effective motivator for you personally? Why?

•      What is the value of this type of music? Is it a good form of protest against discrimination?

·         Does it still have a place today?

•      What music inspires you? Why?

Click here to go to the songs:

"I'm Black and I'm Proud"

"Strange Fruit"