Teaching About Race and Racism with Springsteen Songs
Teaching Social Studies: Vol. 19, No. 2, Summer-Fall 2019 Teaching about Race and Racism with Springsteen Songs Mark T. Kissling Penn State University—University Park At first thought, it might seem odd to teach about and race was central to what he found there” race and racism in the United States with the (2011, paragraph 7). music of Bruce Springsteen. One of the more famous long-time musicians in this country and With Springsteen’s voice as one of the around the world, Springsteen is likely not often more prominent American cultural voices over associated with these topics, perhaps foremost the past several decades, it is relevant to most all because he is White. Yet race and racism are social issues, but this doesn’t mean it’s the lone important topics in and across his music. voice to consider about race and racism. Indeed, Further, many of his musical influences—like the voices of people of color must be central to James Brown and Curtis Mayfield—were Black, social studies teaching about race and racism. as was his most influential musical collaborator, The curriculum cannot be directed solely by Clarence Clemons, his longstanding friend and White voices, especially those attached to great band-mate known as “the Big Man.” fame and wealth. For decades, Springsteen has written and Yet, famous, wealthy, White voices are sung about race and racism, particularly America not useless. Racial justice cannot come about struggling with racism. Yes, he writes about cars without progress in all corners of society, and love and the Jersey Shore, too, but race and including—maybe even particularly—White racism are, importantly, also there in the mix.
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