In today’s lesson you are asked to analyze a song for its representation/expression of a social issue. You are asked to choose a song that addresses a social issue in its lyrics. The song may be aimed at a person, event, institution, social pattern, etc. You will then analyze the representation of that issue in the song, research the social issue, and use your research to support your argument in agreement with or opposition to the song artist.


Song: I Believe (Obama Tribute)
Artist: R. Kelly
Genre: R&B/Soul
Time period/year of release: 2009
What is the issue being addressed by the song? Political Diversity/Acceptance
What is the song artist’s point of view or opinion? The victory of Obama becoming president shows just how far America has come since the days when blacks and whites were treated as separate rather than equal.
Cite song lyrics (or music video images) to support and fully develop the artist’s perspective.
What are contextual factors surrounding the writing of this song? (Were there any major social events taking place around the time of the song’s writing? Examples: war, oppression, economic crisis, social liberty success or struggle.) This song was made in regards to the Presidential election of 2008. "Got to the mountain and lead the path for me your victory made history and now I believe." In this example of lyrics he is describing how Obama's victory has shown minority that the world is changing and anything is possible.


Research (Include a list of resources at the end of your paper)
Use online resources to research the social issue discussed in the song. Collect facts and statistics, identify key people and events, and summarize the public’s attitude towards the issue.
What is the issue?
Who is affected?
Identify the varying perspectives of the public towards the issue. (Who is supportive, opposing, what are their views and arguments)
What is the severity of the issue? (How many people affected, how much damage, etc.)
What is the significance of the issue? (What’s the big deal?)
Is this a moral, political, economic, ethical issue?
Is there any one in control of the issue, or who has strong influence over the issue?
What has been done or is being done to address the issue?
Is the issue being resolved or becoming more controversial?

Critique
Did you find information in your research that supported the artist’s point of view? Identify parts of the artist’s opinion that were supported by your research and explain how they were supported using the information from your research.
Identify parts of the artist’s opinion that were not supported by your research and explain how your research opposed the artist’s view.
Do you share the artist’s opinion on this issue? Why or why not? Support your arguments with your research.

Paper
Part I: Song Analysis (2 pts.) Part III: Critique (4 pts.)
Part II: Research Summary (4 pts.) Part IV: Resources Page