Black Lives Matter

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4

BLACK LIVES MATTER

What do you already know
about BLM?

In the trailer you read the quote: 

"What you see in the news, is a story 150 years in the making"

What do you think is meant by this?

After slavery was abolished in the US in 1865,
Black Americans kept being discriminated by society. Can you think of examples of how they were discriminated?

Slavery and BLM

Some people say it should be 'All Lives Matter' instead of
'Black Lives Matter'. 

1. What do you think they mean by this? 

2. Do you agree or disagree? 

Read the cartoon on the left. Explain the metaphor that is used in your own words (explain what is meant). 

 Question box on next slide!

Explain the metaphor that is used in the cartoon on the previous slide.

Read this article and 

answer the questions in the

next slides.

"Hundreds of thousands of people in the US and around the world are going into the streets holding signs and marching to raise awareness of the problems faced by people in the Black community."

Have you ever taken part in a protest or demonstration? Why (not)?

After the protest in Amsterdam, a lot of people argued that it should have been banned due to the risk of spreading the Coronavirus.

What do you think is more important: the right to protest or preventing the virus from spreading? Explain why.

The article also talks about Colin Kaepernick's action in the NFL. Donald Trump commented on Twitter:

Do you agree with Trump on this? Why (not)?

The BLM movement has been in the news over the last couple of weeks because of police brutality.

Do you think the police can use violence and if so, in what circumstances?

Do you think the police should be allowed to target specific people or groups? Why or why not?

Racism is a hot topic all over the world. 

You are now going to listen to four songs from different eras which promote equality.

Listen to the songs, try to understand what they are about and answer the questions.

A Change Is Gonna Come (1963) by Sam Cooke

This song was influential during the civil rights movement, particularly after Martin Luther King was killed. Some would say that it played a significant role in bringing white Americans to actively support the move towards equality.

0

Sam Cooke sings "It's been a long time comin' ". What do you think that means?

He also sings "I go to the movie

And I go Downtown

Somebody Keep telling me

Dont hang around". 

Explain what you think he's talking about here.

Imagine (1971) by John Lennon

This song encouraged a dialogue about war, famine and religion, but in a respectful and calm way. Calling for a unified world, where greed and violence don’t exist, this song about equality is an anthem that has inspired so many to fight for peace and love.

In the video on the next page, 25 celebrities sing the song together in isolation during the coronacrisis.

0

We are surrounded by hate, cruelty, murder, war and racism. The world that he sings about tells us how we should want the world to be. 

What do you think about celebrities singing this?

Is it appropriate?

Black or White (1991) by Michael Jackson

This is a human rights song and an open plea for racial harmony. Michael Jackson sings about his own experiences and observations of racism, while reminding us we are all equal. Released in 1991, this song still hits home in 2020.

Name some of Michael Jackson's examples/observations on racism.

Same Love (2012) by Macklemore

This song is about equality, but its topic is different from the other song's topic. Have a listen... 

Explain what 'Same Love' is about and why this topic is so important.

Say whether you agree or disagree with the statements in the next slides.

Racism is just as much a problem in The Netherlands as it is in the US.

1. Agree
2. Disagree

It should be 'All Lives Matter' instead of 'Black Lives Matter'.

1. Agree
2. Disagree

My school should pay more attention to ethnicity.

1. Agree
2. Disagree

George Floyd's murder (and its aftermath) has made me more aware of the issues regarding race.

1. Agree
2. Disagree

What did you think of this lesson? Did you like it or not? What did you (dis)like about it?