Music is Culture

Sometimes as a teacher you have to recognize that it is time to spice things up in the classroom. That is why a couple of weeks ago, in my intercultural communication class, we discussed Music and Culture.  We had already discussed (for days and days) Malagasy and American cultural values, so it seemed to me time to analyze some music through that lens.  I had the task to choose some songs which I felt were good examples of American values and culture.


Frank Sinatra, My Way

I played the song and handed out a few copies of the lyrics. Immediately all of the students recognized how individualistic this song was. Of course, they liked it (who doesn't?!?!). I explained to them it is a popular song--indeed that most Americans love singing to this song imagining ourselves as living our lives MY WAY. We also discussed the theme of competition that is implied in the song.

NAS, I Can

With this song I talked about African American Culture. The students were interested to see that in African American culture there appeared to be a stronger tie to ancestry (which is huge in Madagascar) and
history. Also, they quickly pointed out the individualism inherent in this song and the optimism has an American ring to it. I can do whatever I want if I work hard! This song could not be more clearly
American and African American. We had a great discussion and learned a lot of new vocabulary works. It was decided right then and there that African American culture is an interesting blend of collectivism and individualism.

Garth Brooks, The River

A few students already knew this song. Country music is popular in Madagascar. We had a good time discussing the metaphor of the river and the shore and so on. The students quickly pointed out that this
song is a good example of how Americans typically embrace risk taking.  They also said, though, that there are a lot of Malagasy songs which embrace the idea of having a dream. 


Then it was their turn. About 12 students shared a Malagasy song. We all listened, they sang along a bit, and I tapped my toes like the dorky teacher that I am. Students explained how the songs related to Malagasy culture. There were songs about respecting elders, songs about community bonds, songs about people who leave Madagascar or abandon the Malagasy way--It was so interesting for me and I learned a lot. Wish y'all
could've been there.