Feb 10, 2021·1 reply
Huge Lukas FanThe line about erasing the truth of the black race would be a good segue into some examples of that ‘forgotten’ history that isnt taught. One example i can think of would be Samuel Sharpe, who led the jamaican slave rebellion during the 1800s.
Ask yourself why isnt he taught reguarly? What is taught when it comes to slavery? That blacks have been happy slaves until the civil rights movement, and thats when they became ‘barbaric’ and going ‘against the grain’ instead of being a passive and accepting community of discrimination. Look at how MLK is as a cultural figure compared to Malcolm X. He was more democratic but they stood for the same cause. Its like even when challenging racist ideologies you have to do it in a way where you’re still kind of conforming
This mentality is still expected of black people today. To never celebrate their blackness but to he passive bystanders, and if youre not passive then you’ll be labelled as a thug. (Which theres countless examples of). This was more of a tangent than an explored point but yeah
Thank you so much. 5 star post. I will incorporate your ideas into my lesson.
- Feb 10, 2021Huge Lukas Fan
The line about erasing the truth of the black race would be a good segue into some examples of that ‘forgotten’ history that isnt taught. One example i can think of would be Samuel Sharpe, who led the jamaican slave rebellion during the 1800s.
Ask yourself why isnt he taught reguarly? What is taught when it comes to slavery? That blacks have been happy slaves until the civil rights movement, and thats when they became ‘barbaric’ and going ‘against the grain’ instead of being a passive and accepting community of discrimination. Look at how MLK is as a cultural figure compared to Malcolm X. He was more democratic but they stood for the same cause. Its like even when challenging racist ideologies you have to do it in a way where you’re still kind of conforming
This mentality is still expected of black people today. To never celebrate their blackness but to he passive bystanders, and if youre not passive then you’ll be labelled as a thug. (Which theres countless examples of). This was more of a tangent than an explored point but yeah
“ Its like even when challenging racist ideologies you have to do it in a way where you’re still kind of conforming”
Real affff
Feb 10, 2021·1 replyThis sounds like a cool idea. Are you a teacher OP? What year are your class? Or is this you at school and it’s part of a project?
The live version at the BRITS with the extended verse is a good one to show how insidious racism is today.
Namely the line: ”How the news treats Kate versus how they treated Megan”
You can use the rhetoric, as well as the invasive and double standards the likes of the Daily Mail, Piers Morgan et. al use to describe Megan, a black woman in a position of royalty (literally), in contrast to Kate, the quintessential white woman.
Feb 10, 2021·2 repliesgreat artist and great idea. dave is one of the most significant voices in music period today. you could go line by line the ones that stand out and how they apply to society today.
"it's workin twice as hard as the people you know you're better than, cause you need to do double what they do so you can level them".
you could discuss subconscious biases that occur in corporate environments due to something as simple as a cultural name on a resume regardless of experience and expertise, more direct subconscious racisms such as real life examples of the live version added line "even the least racist is still a racist", but also touch on the other side of how affirmative action policies in college/workforce helps give more opportunities to minorities / but can also potentially have negative impacts. Such as a sort of subconscious unwanted victim complex that underrepresented minorities may feel if the "white man" is creating these policies to make them feel better about themselves and their "social justice" measures when they could just be stroking their egos for "doing good". the fine line between helping create opportunities and subtle racist undertones that somewhat come with that.
another line that stands out is in the second verse:
"black is growin up aroud your family and makin it, then being forced to leave the place you love because there's hate in it. people say you fake the s***, never stayed to change the s***, but black is bein jealous, you'd be dead if you had stayed in it"you could touch on the cyclical nature of success stories of underprivileged black people who return home to give back to the community only to receive spite for leaving in the first place. And because of overall socio-economic situations, a potential success story and potential role model coming back to inspire the next generation still can't make a huge difference on the community as a whole because of macro level problems that cut way deeper that are out of anyone's control.
the third verse you should touch on the line:
"look black ain't just a single colour, man there's shades to it. Her hair's straight and thick but mine's got waves in it. Black is not divisive they been lyin and I hate that s***. Black has never been a competition we don't make this s***".
this could resonate with your students a lot because they are growing up on social media and being manipulated by constant body, image, these "perfect standards" that aren't attainable at all. this beginning of the verse is big for mental health as far as building confidence and being happy about your unique features. everyone is different and it's beautiful. Also you can touch on how people need to stand together and not be divisive over little things and hold grudges but lift each other up financially, emotionally, and spiritually.
good luck op
Feb 10, 2021need more teachers like OP
- Feb 11, 2021Grenouille
This sounds like a cool idea. Are you a teacher OP? What year are your class? Or is this you at school and it’s part of a project?
The live version at the BRITS with the extended verse is a good one to show how insidious racism is today.
Namely the line: ”How the news treats Kate versus how they treated Megan”
You can use the rhetoric, as well as the invasive and double standards the likes of the Daily Mail, Piers Morgan et. al use to describe Megan, a black woman in a position of royalty (literally), in contrast to Kate, the quintessential white woman.
Amazing ideas. Especially his line “we had actual queens” as a springboard to that discussion point. Fantastic advice.
I teach yeah. In my second year now. I teach 11-18.
- Feb 11, 2021ymstizzy
great artist and great idea. dave is one of the most significant voices in music period today. you could go line by line the ones that stand out and how they apply to society today.
"it's workin twice as hard as the people you know you're better than, cause you need to do double what they do so you can level them".
you could discuss subconscious biases that occur in corporate environments due to something as simple as a cultural name on a resume regardless of experience and expertise, more direct subconscious racisms such as real life examples of the live version added line "even the least racist is still a racist", but also touch on the other side of how affirmative action policies in college/workforce helps give more opportunities to minorities / but can also potentially have negative impacts. Such as a sort of subconscious unwanted victim complex that underrepresented minorities may feel if the "white man" is creating these policies to make them feel better about themselves and their "social justice" measures when they could just be stroking their egos for "doing good". the fine line between helping create opportunities and subtle racist undertones that somewhat come with that.
another line that stands out is in the second verse:
"black is growin up aroud your family and makin it, then being forced to leave the place you love because there's hate in it. people say you fake the s***, never stayed to change the s***, but black is bein jealous, you'd be dead if you had stayed in it"you could touch on the cyclical nature of success stories of underprivileged black people who return home to give back to the community only to receive spite for leaving in the first place. And because of overall socio-economic situations, a potential success story and potential role model coming back to inspire the next generation still can't make a huge difference on the community as a whole because of macro level problems that cut way deeper that are out of anyone's control.
the third verse you should touch on the line:
"look black ain't just a single colour, man there's shades to it. Her hair's straight and thick but mine's got waves in it. Black is not divisive they been lyin and I hate that s***. Black has never been a competition we don't make this s***".
this could resonate with your students a lot because they are growing up on social media and being manipulated by constant body, image, these "perfect standards" that aren't attainable at all. this beginning of the verse is big for mental health as far as building confidence and being happy about your unique features. everyone is different and it's beautiful. Also you can touch on how people need to stand together and not be divisive over little things and hold grudges but lift each other up financially, emotionally, and spiritually.
good luck op
Wow. You are awesome. I think you should teach the class tomorrow.
“another line that stands out is in the second verse:
"black is growin up aroud your family and makin it, then being forced to leave the place you love because there's hate in it. people say you fake the s***, never stayed to change the s***, but black is bein jealous, you'd be dead if you had stayed in it"
you could touch on the cyclical nature of success stories of underprivileged black people who return home to give back to the community only to receive spite for leaving in the first place. And because of overall socio-economic situations, a potential success story and potential role model coming back to inspire the next generation still can't make a huge difference on the community as a whole because of macro level problems that cut way deeper that are out of anyone's control.”Reminds me of Nipsey
Feb 11, 2021FreddieKaneTop5English Literature
we have been exploring poetry from a variety of cultural backgrounds since after Christmas. We have two lessons left, so I wanted to end on a rap song to bring this s*** into 2020/2021.What the f*** @op a legendary user for this
- Feb 11, 2021
"look black ain't just a single colour, man there's shades to it. Her hair's straight and thick but mine's got waves in it. Black is not divisive they been lyin and I hate that s***. Black has never been a competition we don't make this s***"
Great comments on this line ^^^ I also think the idea of black “being divisive” links really well to the point you made earlier about hostile environments created by macro socioeconomic problems. Especially when he says “Black has never been a competition we don’t make this s***” which we can definitely link to institutional and structure racism, basically whites in power “making” them divided. Also, the variety of shades of black skin colour and hairstyles and just general appearance is so important, particularly when the media represent blackness in stereotypical ways and where certain standards of beauty are upheld.
It’s an amazing song/poem. It really is.
- Feb 11, 2021
The only issue is is that I will have to turn the song off once he gets to the bit about calling Boris a racist. We aren’t allowed to go that political
- Feb 11, 2021
These bars always hit me:
The blacker the berry the sweeter the juice
A kid dies, the blacker the killer, the sweeter the news
And if he's white you give him a chance, he's ill and confused
If he's black he's probably armed, you see him and shootWhenever rappers use the blacker the berry motif, you know that s*** is gonna be classic.
- Feb 11, 2021
Guys, what are your interpretations of these lines:
Look, black is growin' up around the barbershop
Mummy sayin', "Stay away from trouble, you're in yard a lot"
Studying for ages, appreciatin' the chance you got
'Cause black is in your blood, and you ain't even got the heart to stopThey always hit so hard, but I want to hear what you guys infer from them.
- Feb 11, 2021·1 replyFreddieKaneTop5
Thank you so much. 5 star post. I will incorporate your ideas into my lesson.
No worries bro you’re a top 5 poster and RG fam
- Feb 11, 2021·1 replyHuge Lukas Fan
No worries bro you’re a top 5 poster and RG fam
Yes my RG brother
i miss those days lowkey. Need to check on RG soon. Is it getting better yet? 
Feb 11, 2021·2 repliesGreat idea.
Talk about:
Ethiopia being the only country in the world never to have been colonized.
The great Walls of Nigeria and the ancient kingdoms there
The ancient Manuscripts in Timbuktu and the richest man in history who came from the same region in Mali
Talk about the various points of trade gold coast, slave coast and ivory coast
Highlight the crazy s*** Belgium did in the Congo and show images. The slavery there was worse than any other country in history.
- Feb 11, 2021FreddieKaneTop5
Yes my RG brother
i miss those days lowkey. Need to check on RG soon. Is it getting better yet?Oh i aint been on that s*** in years. They got rid of the forums years ago i swear
Feb 11, 2021I got nothing to contribute, but respect for doing this. Also Santan is top 3 in all of hiphop right now.
- Feb 11, 2021Bandito
Great idea.
Talk about:
Ethiopia being the only country in the world never to have been colonized.
The great Walls of Nigeria and the ancient kingdoms there
The ancient Manuscripts in Timbuktu and the richest man in history who came from the same region in Mali
Talk about the various points of trade gold coast, slave coast and ivory coast
Highlight the crazy s*** Belgium did in the Congo and show images. The slavery there was worse than any other country in history.
All added. That Belgian Congo s*** is deplorable.
- Feb 11, 2021·1 replyBandito
Great idea.
Talk about:
Ethiopia being the only country in the world never to have been colonized.
The great Walls of Nigeria and the ancient kingdoms there
The ancient Manuscripts in Timbuktu and the richest man in history who came from the same region in Mali
Talk about the various points of trade gold coast, slave coast and ivory coast
Highlight the crazy s*** Belgium did in the Congo and show images. The slavery there was worse than any other country in history.
Great pictures of Mansa Musa - I guarantee none of them will have heard of him. Which definitely tells it own story. Richest man in history! Crazy. Thanks for these fab ideas
Feb 11, 2021This is my first time listening to this song. It's a beautiful song yo. I love what you're doing OP!
- Feb 11, 2021·edited·1 replyFreddieKaneTop5
Great pictures of Mansa Musa - I guarantee none of them will have heard of him. Which definitely tells it own story. Richest man in history! Crazy. Thanks for these fab ideas
Since this is Really about culture, you can talk about how modern black culture is the most duplicated culture globally.
Ask them this series of questions:
What would modern music be like with Black People and the advent of drums and rhythm?
What would sports be like Without black athletes?
What would fashion be like without hip hop
What would be dance be like without hip hop
What would popular language be without hip hopYou can even conclude that hip hop is the most culturally impacting art form ever to have existed.
You can tie this back into black people and Jamaica because the tiny island in the Caribbean has contributed everything to modern black culture. Early rap pioneers, rock musicians, blues musicians, reggae musicians often trace heritage back to Jamaica.
You can argue that Jamaican culture is in fact seen as black culture as the food, music and people are the most recognized globally.
talk about Africa being the most genetically diverse continent on the planet. There are some many f***ing tribes, cultures, languages and religion on the continent.
And finally, show them the accurate scale of the African continent on a map. The modern globe and maps are scaled-down versions of the actual size if the planet. As don't show the actual size of the landmasses. There's Interactive maps that show the right size online.
Tbh this could be an entire course.
I would love to help @op I studied anthropology in University so I could point you in the direction of research etc.
- Feb 11, 2021·1 reply
One last thing. Introduce you students to the white south African author Wilbur Smith. He makes epic fiction novels that deal with history and colonialism in Africa. He has a book called cry wolf and it's about the the Italian trying to colonize Ethiopia during WW2. It's epic.
My favourite book of his is called elephant song, which is all about illegal poaching and the billion-dollar ivory trade.
Feb 11, 2021ymstizzygreat artist and great idea. dave is one of the most significant voices in music period today. you could go line by line the ones that stand out and how they apply to society today.
"it's workin twice as hard as the people you know you're better than, cause you need to do double what they do so you can level them".
you could discuss subconscious biases that occur in corporate environments due to something as simple as a cultural name on a resume regardless of experience and expertise, more direct subconscious racisms such as real life examples of the live version added line "even the least racist is still a racist", but also touch on the other side of how affirmative action policies in college/workforce helps give more opportunities to minorities / but can also potentially have negative impacts. Such as a sort of subconscious unwanted victim complex that underrepresented minorities may feel if the "white man" is creating these policies to make them feel better about themselves and their "social justice" measures when they could just be stroking their egos for "doing good". the fine line between helping create opportunities and subtle racist undertones that somewhat come with that.
another line that stands out is in the second verse:
"black is growin up aroud your family and makin it, then being forced to leave the place you love because there's hate in it. people say you fake the s***, never stayed to change the s***, but black is bein jealous, you'd be dead if you had stayed in it"you could touch on the cyclical nature of success stories of underprivileged black people who return home to give back to the community only to receive spite for leaving in the first place. And because of overall socio-economic situations, a potential success story and potential role model coming back to inspire the next generation still can't make a huge difference on the community as a whole because of macro level problems that cut way deeper that are out of anyone's control.
the third verse you should touch on the line:
"look black ain't just a single colour, man there's shades to it. Her hair's straight and thick but mine's got waves in it. Black is not divisive they been lyin and I hate that s***. Black has never been a competition we don't make this s***".
this could resonate with your students a lot because they are growing up on social media and being manipulated by constant body, image, these "perfect standards" that aren't attainable at all. this beginning of the verse is big for mental health as far as building confidence and being happy about your unique features. everyone is different and it's beautiful. Also you can touch on how people need to stand together and not be divisive over little things and hold grudges but lift each other up financially, emotionally, and spiritually.
good luck op
goat post
- Feb 11, 2021·1 reply
op is the teacher i wish i had, as a black kid growing up in germany
heck, my school made a white kid read the n-word (with a hard er) out loud and then suspended the black kid in class for getting offended by it
but anyways, this is a beautiful thread and I truly hope your class is able to learn something from it
best of luck to you op
