Primary Sources
Guided Primary Source Discussion Questions
- In the 1930s, Marian Anderson experienced discrimination that was allowed under United States laws; but in the 1950s, she traveled to many other countries to represent the United States. After you hear her explain her position in the video, consider: what was this experience like for her? What kinds of thinking might she have used in this situation?
- Marian Anderson was a classically trained musician: she sang opera excerpts, songs by European composers, and spirituals in classical-style arrangements. Today, the US government still uses music to create relationships with people throughout the world. Now, the main kind of music used is hip hop. (See the Next Level project: https://www.nextlevel-usa.org/about ) How might different kinds of music have different uses in diplomatic relations?
Online Resources
Want more of “The Show Must Go On” series? Click below to view other lessons.
Christopher Smith & Michael Borshuk on Josephine Baker
Bill Deverell on Woody Guthrie’s “This Land” (1940-1945)
Kim Nalley on Nina Simone & “Mississippi Goddamn”
Jacob Remes on the Salem Fire of 1914
Barry Bradford on “South Pacific” and Racism