“The Cult of Personality” by Living Colour Advanced English 9 Writing Assignment (60 points)

What is a “Cult of Personality”? According to Dictionary.com, it is “a cult promoting adulation of a living national leader or public figure,” similar to “hero worship” that is generated by the media, especially by way of propaganda. Joseph Stalin is one leader in particular that encouraged this type of adulation in order to extend his power, even though many believe he was the farthest one from a “hero.”

Watch the video of Living Colour’s 1988 song “The Cult of Personality” and read the corresponding lyrics. (Even though you were not born when this song was written, you may recognize it from Guitar Hero.) It is a song that contains many historical political references, especially regarding corruption of leaders in control. It “paints a dark picture of politicians around the world.”

The Cult of Personality

(And during the few moments that we have left, we want to talk right down to earth in a language that everybody here can easily understand)

Look in my eyes, what do you see? The Cult of Personality I know your anger, I know your dreams I've been everything you want to be I'm the Cult of Personality, like Mussolini and Kennedy I'm the Cult of Personality, The Cult of Personality, The Cult of Personality

Neon lights, a Nobel Prize When a mirror speaks, the reflection lies You won't have to follow me, only you can set me free

I sell the things you need to be, I'm the smiling face on your TV I'm the Cult of Personality I exploit you, still you love me, I tell you one and one makes three I'm the Cult of Personality

Like Joseph Stalin and Gandhi I'm the Cult of Personality, The Cult of Personality, The Cult of Personality

Neon lights, a Nobel Prize When a leader speaks, that leader dies You won't have to follow me, Only you can set you free

You gave me fortune, you gave me fame You gave me power in your God's name I'm every person you need to be, I'm the cult of personality!

I'm the Cult of I'm the Cult of I'm the Cult of Personality!

(Ask not what your country can do for you)

(The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!)

Now that you have heard the song, watched the video, and read the lyrics, what do the words mean? What message is Living Colour trying to impart?

Write a 2-3 page paper analyzing the lyrics.

● Make sure to clearly identify your purpose of your writing in your thesis (but don’t just say “In this paper I am going to…”). ● Look at each stanza. Using specific lyrics from each stanza, tell what you think the writers are saying. In other words, what message are they trying to impart with these words? ● Then apply these song lyrics and messages to Joseph Stalin / Napoleon in George Orwell’s Animal Farm. How are they true of Joesph Stalin / Napoleon? ● Blend in lyrics / quotes often, and make sure you justify them, or tell their importance ● Use transitional words and phrases to connect ideas, but cut unnecessary words / sentences. Be concise! ● Make sure to avoid second person (no you’s or yours) ● Make sure to check verb tense (keep it in present tense unless you are referring to an event of the past) ● Make sure to use a variety of sentence structures (start sentences with -ing participial phrases, use appositive phrases, begin with adverb clauses, etc.) See that sheet with the types of phrases and clauses to remind you how to write them) ● Submit your writing to me via Google Docs. Due Date:

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You will be graded in the following manner, using the Keystone rubrics:

● Focus- 8 points ● Content- 16 points ● Organization- 8 points ● Style- 12 points ● Conventions- 16 points