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Carefully Taught

Grades: 
6, 7, 8
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Keywords & Concepts: 
Creative Writing
Music
Racism
Respect

Learners analyze the words to a song about prejudice, "Carefully Taught." They rewrite the lyrics with a more positive message.

Duration 
PrintOne 20-minute session
Objectives 

The learner will:

  • listen to and discuss the song "Carefully Taught" and evaluate how his/her own prejudices reflect the prejudices of others (i.e. environment, family, society).
  • rewrite lyrics forthe song witha respectful message.
Materials 
  • lyrics to "Carefully Taught" (See Bibliographical References.)
  • blank paper for each learner
Bibliography 

Rodgers, Richard. South Pacific. Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein III. Columbia Broadway Masterworks. Original Broadway Cast rerecording. 1998

Related Resources 

Instructions

Print

  1. Anticipatory Set:

    Read the written lyrics to "Carefully Taught" and play the song. This song is from the musical play "South Pacific." 

  2. As a class, discuss the meaning of the song to determine what is says about how people develop prejudice. Discuss and list from where prejudices might originate. Make sure that family, friends, society, environment, and the media are included in the list.

  3. Tell the learners that although our first instinct is to judge, we can keep an open mind and apply antidotes [remedy to counteract] to prejudice. This may be called anti-racism when it deliberately counteracts racism.

  4. As a group, brainstorm words to rewrite the lyrics of "Carefully Taught" to reflect openness and respect for differences. These words will reflect antidotes to prejudice, bias, and racism. (Example: "You've got to be taught to love and share, you've got to be taught to truly care…")

  5. Discuss what they have learned about themselves and prejudice in this lesson.

Philanthropy Framework

  1. Strand PHIL.I Definitions of Philanthropy
    1. Standard DP 01. Define Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.4 Give examples of how individuals have helped others.
  2. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 01. Self, citizenship, and society
      1. Benchmark MS.4 Describe the characteristics of someone who helps others.
    2. Standard PCS 02. Diverse Cultures
      1. Benchmark MS.2 Describe the importance of hearing all voices in a community and respecting their right to be heard.
      2. Benchmark MS.5 Discuss examples of groups denied their rights in history.
  3. Strand PHIL.III Philanthropy and the Individual
    1. Standard PI 01. Reasons for Individual Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.1 Define and give examples of the motivations for giving and serving.
      2. Benchmark MS.5 Describe the responsibility students have to act in the civil society sector to improve the common good.
      3. Benchmark MS.9 Identify pro-social behavior in different cultures and traditions.