Social Commentary Paper On “Imagine” And “Let It Be”

Overview of assignment: The Social Commentary paper is a combination of research and critical thinking. Only the second section, “Discussion of the Social Issue,” requires any research. In fact, no other outside information should be used in any of the other sections. 1500 words, minimum. *NOTE: quoted material (lyrics, sources), headings, titles, and references are not counted as original writing. In that light, you should aim for a total closer to 1650 words.
Assignment
In this paper, you will choose two songs, each from a different artist (or band), preferably from a different genre, and compare how they address a single topic of broad social interest (social issue).
Nature of Assignment
This is a formal writing assignment requiring research AND critical thinking. There will be sources, 2 minimum (described below,) that you are required to include in a bibliography, and cite at points of their use in the body. DO NOT use an artist's song/performance video as a source for discussion, though you may use a video source that contains information about the issue.
Social Issues
Issues of broad concern such as, the environment, natural or manmade disasters, child welfare/abuse/neglect/molestation, domestic violence, rape, abortion, gang violence, class warfare, war, terrorism, propaganda, politics, national image, military service, religion*, racism, racially-motivated violence, slavery, human trafficking, materialism, among others, are acceptable. In some cases, songs of a more personal nature are acceptable if they speak to a broad audience. Topics such as mental illness, loneliness, drug or alcohol abuse (substance abuse) would fall into this category. Generally speaking, songs about love, sex, cars, the joys of rock and roll, or sports are not acceptable. Topics so general as to include everyone, like death, should be covered from the standpoint of the issues surrounding it; survivors dealing with a loved one's death, or views on the after-life are acceptable. When in doubt, consult your instructor. *There are songs in any given faith whose purpose is to connect to the faithful (ex. hymns, worship or praise songs, liturgical singing). These would be inappropriate. Songs that address various issues surrounding faith would be appropriate.
NOT ACCEPTABLE as an issue – Music, music business, artists, groups, genres or any historical perspective on music used to protest or bring attention to things. This is where a few students misinterpret the title of this assignment (without reading these instructions) and assume that this paper is on the subject of social-commentary music. It is not. It is about two specific songs that are centered on one specific issue.
INSTRUCTIONS
Selecting your songs - Choose two songs that have the same social condition or issue at their core. They do not have to take the same position, or even have a position, but it should be fairly evident that the same issue is embodied in both. Further, the two songs should be written or performed by different artists, each from a different genre of popular music. Other than introducing an artist as “hard rock” or “hip-hop,” no further discussion of the genre need ensue. If you are unsure, you should ask your instructor. (see lists below of songs to avoid and songs to never use)