PEJ said:

chopingard said:

I think it was just a reference to the cultural bias of the education system towards colonial european history.

Within that bias is the perception that it down plays the true nature of slavery/ slaughters of first peoples and the brutality of building the nation that America has come to be.

I don't think he means that individual teachers are malicious in there methods just a symptom of a wider ignorance

welcome 2 america

welcome 2 america

welcome 2 america where u can get hired get fired and get 7 million dollars

somebody is watching u

welcome 2 america

welcome 2 america

we still got a lot 2 learn about race relations if ur in the mood 4 drama

inbetween 911 and hurricane katrina and the election of barack obama

somebody's watching u

big brother is still in effect and if ur still getting hassled at the airport

just remember who u elected

welcome 2 america

welcome 2 america

watching u watching me where the teachers only tell u half of what they know

just 2 not keep u free

now they got u wanting 2 drink some tea who me?

the past 7 presidents b4 george washington making history

i don't care what sly said everybody ain't a star

ain't no one on rolling stone cover

the big star is dead y'all

[Edited 5/15/11 20:17pm]

More like

Welcome 2 America where an androgynous short black man can become a rich singer and say what ever the hell he wants and not be stoned

yeah! and still be rich and loved by the masses

welcome 2 america

welcome 2 america

There's that documentary about the education system in America that Prince was praising recently, so most probably this song was written after watching that.

here ya go

http://en.wikipedia.org/w...uperman%22

Militant said:

There's that documentary about the education system in America that Prince was praising recently, so most probably this song was written after watching that.

here ya go

http://en.wikipedia.org/w...uperman%22

just becuase you watch a doc on the education system doesnt make you an expert

my brother does the same thing . we watch one doc and this fool thinks he is damn expert and all knowning

formallypickles said:

Militant said:

There's that documentary about the education system in America that Prince was praising recently, so most probably this song was written after watching that.

here ya go

http://en.wikipedia.org/w...uperman%22

just becuase you watch a doc on the education system doesnt make you an expert

my brother does the same thing . we watch one doc and this fool thinks he is damn expert and all knowning

Well yeah. But conversely, you don't need to be an expert to have a valid opinion

Nonsense.

1ststatestereo said:

Hi guys,

I was at the concert tonight and was a little surprised to hear Prince take a little dig at teachers in the song "Welcome 2 America." It was along the lines of "Teachers only teaching half they know to keep us from getting free" or something of that nature. I don't remember it verbatim. Anyways, I am a teacher and that is the exact opposite of what I try to project. I have to admit it took a little of the joy out of a great performance.

Should I take this personal? The way I made peace with it was that he was referring to how schools have failed to teach culturally relevant history. It upsets me when people (especially Prince, an artist I extremely respect) have these negative misconceptions of the teaching profession.

What do you think?

I think this is about history as well. I am Native American and when I went to school (I am not sure if this is any different now) and Indians won it was called a massacre (like Custards). When the non indian won it was called a battle. It's this type of inaccurate or European view of history I believe Prince is refering probably from a African American perspective.

InternationalLover82 said:

Nonsense.

Nonsense is censorship and those willing not to listening from anyone elses persepective. Actually this is eactly what Prince is talking about!

[Edited 5/17/11 6:17am]

muskiediver said:

InternationalLover82 said:

Nonsense.

Nonsense is censorship and those willing not to listening from anyone elses persepective. Actually this is eactly what Prince is talking about!

[Edited 5/17/11 6:17am]

When I first heard the song, I wasn't sure if he was dissing Obama or not. The lyrics could be read that way: All of this terrible crap is happening, well, who did you elect? And you would think a hardcore Jehovah's Witness would not be on board with the pro-choice, pro-gay (kinda) Obama. Overall, I get what people who are saying this song bugs are saying, but Prince did grow up a black man in an earlier time and I'm sure he dealt with plenty of crap. We still have a long way to go, race relations wise, and may never get it figured out. As with the Dixie Chicks, I put my own political opinions aside and just jammed along to the music instead of overthinking the sentiment.

formallypickles said:

Militant said:

There's that documentary about the education system in America that Prince was praising recently, so most probably this song was written after watching that.

here ya go

http://en.wikipedia.org/w...uperman%22

just becuase you watch a doc on the education system doesnt make you an expert

my brother does the same thing . we watch one doc and this fool thinks he is damn expert and all knowning

No it doesn't make one an expert and it's obviously not intended to, but it doesn't hurt to watch a documentary on any topic where the intention is to raise awareness of an educational, political or socio-economic issue.

[Edited 5/17/11 7:18am]

formallypickles said:

PEJ said:

welcome 2 america

welcome 2 america

welcome 2 america where u can get hired get fired and get 7 million dollars

somebody is watching u

welcome 2 america

welcome 2 america

we still got a lot 2 learn about race relations if ur in the mood 4 drama

inbetween 911 and hurricane katrina and the election of barack obama

somebody's watching u

big brother is still in effect and if ur still getting hassled at the airport

just remember who u elected

welcome 2 america

welcome 2 america

watching u watching me where the teachers only tell u half of what they know

just 2 not keep u free

now they got u wanting 2 drink some tea who me?

the past 7 presidents b4 george washington making history

i don't care what sly said everybody ain't a star

ain't no one on rolling stone cover

the big star is dead y'all

[Edited 5/15/11 20:17pm]

More like

Welcome 2 America where an androgynous short black man can become a rich singer and say what ever the hell he wants and not be stoned

yeah! and still be rich and loved by the masses

welcome 2 america

welcome 2 america

1ststatestereo said:

Hi guys,

I was at the concert tonight and was a little surprised to hear Prince take a little dig at teachers in the song "Welcome 2 America." It was along the lines of "Teachers only teaching half they know to keep us from getting free" or something of that nature. I don't remember it verbatim. Anyways, I am a teacher and that is the exact opposite of what I try to project. I have to admit it took a little of the joy out of a great performance.

Should I take this personal? The way I made peace with it was that he was referring to how schools have failed to teach culturally relevant history. It upsets me when people (especially Prince, an artist I extremely respect) have these negative misconceptions of the teaching profession.

What do you think?

Misconception? Really?

NouveauDance said:

eireboy34 said:

While Prince is an amazing artist, an intellectual he isn't.

Don't take any of his opinions seriously.

This. A thousand times, this.

maybe u just need to accept that prince is full of puff sometimes, he doesn't live in the real world or do a real job & can understand why u might take it personal.. i'd be right fucked off if he suggested my profession did half a job

Wow, stop the presses, Prince has another dimwitted point of view. He's probably upset about the spread of EVOLution, and all those old bitties indoctrinating the youth of the world with their HIStory, teaching the world isn't 6,000 years old or however old his cult of latter day morons currently dates this rock.

I guess if he called you out by name you should be offended.

If not........

formallypickles said:

Prince hasnt been in a public school for a about 30 years now what the fuck does know about what teachers do in the classroom.

come on people he says lame stuff just like the rest of us.

people on this damn board are so damn stupid.... you have to be in a class room to understand that the public school system in troubled

all you have to do is read

what a stupid statement

Alexandernvrmind said:

formallypickles said:

Prince hasnt been in a public school for a about 30 years now what the fuck does know about what teachers do in the classroom.

come on people he says lame stuff just like the rest of us.

people on this damn board are so damn stupid.... you have to be in a class room to understand that the public school system in troubled

all you have to do is read

what a stupid statement

except he doesn't sing about the state of the school system which is probably what he means. he just talks about teachers doing half a job! the bloody nerve of him!

DoffieParker said:

Alexandernvrmind said:

people on this damn board are so damn stupid.... you have to be in a class room to understand that the public school system in troubled

all you have to do is read

what a stupid statement

except he doesn't sing about the state of the school system which is probably what he means. he just talks about teachers doing half a job! the bloody nerve of him!

I'm offended by Darling Nikki too. I think it is wrong of him to suggest that just because somebody masturbates in a hotel lobby with a magazine, that they are a sex fiend. I can't tell you how many times I have pleasured myself with a back issue of "Cat Fancy" at the local Motel 6, but I resent the implication that I live in a castle full of devices just looking to give strangers a funky good time! He's RUDE.

drivingsideways said:

DoffieParker said:

except he doesn't sing about the state of the school system which is probably what he means. he just talks about teachers doing half a job! the bloody nerve of him!

I'm offended by Darling Nikki too. I think it is wrong of him to suggest that just because somebody masturbates in a hotel lobby with a magazine, that they are a sex fiend. I can't tell you how many times I have pleasured myself with a back issue of "Cat Fancy" at the local Motel 6, but I resent the implication that I live in a castle full of devices just looking to give strangers a funky good time! He's RUDE.

Reread his statement. No way do I interpret his remark as all teachers. Prince is an avowed supporter of a Charter School called Harlem Children's Zone, so obviously he like teachers who teach the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Traditional school textbooks omit historical facts or distort them. Columbus really did not discover America, for example. Seven presidents presided over Congress which covered a significant role in presiding over America, but textbooks give George Washington credit as the first president of the US. The latter fact is technically true but schools omit the former fact. Non tradtional schools such as Charter schools, Continuation schools, Home schools, and Private schools are free to teach factual information. Traditional schools really are not.

Finally, just because you are a teacher, does not give you license to judge those who air concerns about Traditional Public school teachers. You gotta admit your Traditional Public school colleagues are misleading their students, at least in history. Perhaps you can lead a drive to change that, starting with eliminating Columbus Day.

~Rake Funky and Support Edible Schoolyards!!!!

1ststatestereo said:

Hi guys,

I was at the concert tonight and was a little surprised to hear Prince take a little dig at teachers in the song "Welcome 2 America." It was along the lines of "Teachers only teaching half they know to keep us from getting free" or something of that nature. I don't remember it verbatim. Anyways, I am a teacher and that is the exact opposite of what I try to project. I have to admit it took a little of the joy out of a great performance.

Should I take this personal? The way I made peace with it was that he was referring to how schools have failed to teach culturally relevant history. It upsets me when people (especially Prince, an artist I extremely respect) have these negative misconceptions of the teaching profession.

What do you think?

TBH, Prince isn't the only person who has lost respect for our teachers. Can you blame them? Not saying that YOU are that way, but look at the kids that are coming out of the public schools...what else do we really need to be saying. The teaching profession has alot of ups and downs, they don't get paid enough, yet alot of them aren't even earning the pay they do get. Now alot of that isn't their faults, I KNOW they have to deal with alot of BS rules from the gov't. But still, not as many GOOD teachers out there like it used to be. Sad, but true..Unless you are one of those bad teachers, I wouldn't take it personally...If the shoe don't fit, don't wear it!

eireboy34 said:

802 said:

Now, that's taking it too far.

Is it?

I believe that an artist on stage should just shut up and sing...if you see what I mean

Prince will take a chunk of the money you give him and put it towards the Harlem Children's Zone, a Charter School that teaches the truth, whole truth and nothing but the truth. So if he gives an opinion, you might want to listen to him. I disagree that musicians should be seen and not heard. They should let the audience know who they are, and Prince is a guy who believes in quality education, plain and simple. So if you disagree, stay home, don't go to his concerts. The man has a beautiful brain with great opinions.

Heaven sake alive! I want whirrld peas now!

PEJ said:

welcome 2 america

welcome 2 america

welcome 2 america where u can get hired get fired and get 7 million dollars

somebody is watching u

welcome 2 america

welcome 2 america

we still got a lot 2 learn about race relations if ur in the mood 4 drama

inbetween 911 and hurricane katrina and the election of barack obama

somebody's watching u

big brother is still in effect and if ur still getting hassled at the airport

just remember who u elected

welcome 2 america

welcome 2 america

watching u watching me where the teachers only tell u half of what they know

just 2 not keep u free

now they got u wanting 2 drink some tea who me?

the past 7 presidents b4 george washington making history

i don't care what sly said everybody ain't a star

ain't no one on rolling stone cover

the big star is dead y'all

[Edited 5/15/11 20:17pm]

Those lyrics alone are enough to keep me up at night wondering what he means....Again, Prince has got me to thinking he KNOWS alot about what is going on in this world. Stuff "they" don't want you to know about. Prince knows... I'm going to have to analyize these lyrics, I believe Prince is trying to tell us something...

Militant said:

formallypickles said:

just becuase you watch a doc on the education system doesnt make you an expert

my brother does the same thing . we watch one doc and this fool thinks he is damn expert and all knowning

Well yeah. But conversely, you don't need to be an expert to have a valid opinion

Thank you!

drivingsideways said:

muskiediver said:

Nonsense is censorship and those willing not to listening from anyone elses persepective. Actually this is eactly what Prince is talking about!

[Edited 5/17/11 6:17am]

When I first heard the song, I wasn't sure if he was dissing Obama or not. The lyrics could be read that way: All of this terrible crap is happening, well, who did you elect? And you would think a hardcore Jehovah's Witness would not be on board with the pro-choice, pro-gay (kinda) Obama. Overall, I get what people who are saying this song bugs are saying, but Prince did grow up a black man in an earlier time and I'm sure he dealt with plenty of crap. We still have a long way to go, race relations wise, and may never get it figured out. As with the Dixie Chicks, I put my own political opinions aside and just jammed along to the music instead of overthinking the sentiment.

Prince is in the Tavis Smiley Dr Cornell camp. I am too, and I am a Unitarian Universalist pro-gay, pro-choice person. I think Prince's JW'ness influences his desire to detract people from voting, but he is awesome in pointing out the problems of Obama, but that's for another forum.

Love Prince's views ferociously.

Make quiche, not war!

Yeah he can be controversial at times, but that is Prince!

I remember feeling annoyed about the line in 'I Rock Therefore I Am' where he talks about someone going to a

'private school as opposed to one that yearly spits out another group of fools, in a system that's designed to fail'.

I, like 99% of people on here went to a state school and I ended up getting better grades that some of my contemporaries that went to private schools!

muskiediver said:

InternationalLover82 said:

Nonsense.

Nonsense is censorship and those willing not to listening from anyone elses persepective. Actually this is eactly what Prince is talking about!

[Edited 5/17/11 6:17am]

Alexandernvrmind said:

formallypickles said:

Prince hasnt been in a public school for a about 30 years now what the fuck does know about what teachers do in the classroom.

come on people he says lame stuff just like the rest of us.

people on this damn board are so damn stupid.... you have to be in a class room to understand that the public school system in troubled

all you have to do is read

what a stupid statement

OH please!! read what HE said

and yes you have to be in a classroom to make a more objective comment about what goes on in the classroom

you can read all you want about what OTHER people say about the school system

or you can take your ass in a classroom and see what really goes on and decide for yourself

[img:$uid]http://www.gifs.../img:$uid] GIFSoup

[Edited 5/17/11 22:20pm]

[Edited 5/17/11 23:03pm]