Lamar’s Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show DISCUSSION

QUESTIONS ( to get your discussion started):

1. Uncle Tom and Black Representation: Discuss the historical significance of the “Uncle Tom” stereotype in American culture. How might Lamar’s performance challenge or engage with this portrayal? Contrast this with Samuel L. Jackson in the role of “Uncle Sam”. (consider his comentary)

2. The American Flag and Patriotism: Explore the symbolism of the American flag in the performance. What messages does it convey about Black identity, belonging, and historical injustice in America? (note the interspersing of the flag and the performers and how it changes meaning)
3. Consider the phrase “The Revolution Will Be Televised” and its relevance today. How does the performance engage with the idea of media as a tool for activism or manipulation? (contrast this phrase with “turn the TV off” – what is the overall message?)

4. Crips and Bloods Symbolism: Examine the references to Crips and Bloods in the performance. How does this imagery reflect larger themes of systemic oppression, redlining, and economic inequality?

5. Crip Dance as a Form of Protest: Discuss the historical significance of the Crip Walk (C-walk) and its evolving meaning. How does its inclusion in the performance function as a statement on resistance, identity, or community? (What were Serena Williams’ role)

6. 40 Acres and a Mule – Broken Promises: Reflect on the legacy of the unfulfilled promise of “40 acres and a mule.” How might this historical injustice be represented in the performance’s themes or visuals?

7. Black Men and the Criminal Justice System: Analyze the portrayal of Black men in the performance. How does it comment on the intersection of race, systemic racism, and the criminal justice system?

8. The Role of Black Women in Resistance: Consider the visibility and portrayal of Black women in the performance. How does this representation (or lack thereof) speak to the larger historical role of Black women in movements for social justice?

9. Slave Labor and the Building of America: Discuss the historical reality that enslaved Africans built America’s infrastructure. How does the performance acknowledge or critique this history in relation to modern economic disparities?

10. Performance as Political Commentary: Explore how music performances can serve as political statements. How does Lamar use historical references and symbolism to elevate his performance beyond entertainment?

11. Media’s Role in Racial Narratives: Examine how the performance critiques the portrayal of the Black struggle in mainstream media. How does it challenge, reinforce, or subvert dominant narratives about race and justice?

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