Using Examples from Discussion of Folk Music, Describe How Folk

question 4

Essay

Using examples from discussion of folk music, describe how folk music may be described as a validation of the experiences of common people. Choose two examples from anonymous folk music or the works of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and others. Describe how both examples of folk music validate common experience in terms of musical ability, the tragedy of poverty and hard work, political protest and social justice, and/or other experiences. You may supplement the chapter's discussion with lyrics to these folk songs.
I. Choose two examples from the chapter's discussion of folk music from "We Shall Overcome", "John Henry", "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll", "Joe Hill", accumulation or narrative songs, spirituals
II. Explain what particular folk experience each song is validating
III. Choose details from both songs that support and help explain the folk experience

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Definitions:

Emergent Norm Theory

A theory in sociology suggesting that norms and behaviors in crowds and social groups emerge spontaneously and are negotiated among members, rather than being inherent or fixed.

Convergence Theory

A concept in sociology that suggests differences among societies will decrease over time due to globalization, leading to similar social, political, and technological practices.

Contagion Theory

A sociological theory that suggests ideas and emotions can spread through populations like infectious diseases.

Contagion Theory

A theory in social psychology that suggests ideas, attitudes, and behaviors spread through groups like diseases, influenced by the power of the crowd.