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Thread started 01/22/18 3:48pm

dance4me3121

My Dad's College English Class Paper on a Prince Song

I dont know if this is the right forum but I wanted to post a paper my father wrote when he was attending college.He wrote in it 2004.The assignment was that the teacher wanted my father to find a song that meant a lot to him that would change the world then to write a paper on it.


English 111

Song "Dear Mr Man"

Artist-Prince

Tired of Being Sick and Tired

Prince is a musical genius because his music bridges the gaps between black funk and white rock. He defies clean definition because he blends so many boundaries: musical,theatrical,racial,sexual,and political.In his song "Dear Mr Man",Prince takes our fight for social justice and equality of the American Consience.The artist emphasizes the contradictions of our government and its failures to acknowledge and resolve our environmental and social issues. "Dear Mr Man" is a powerful political masterpiece that demands the vigilance of our leaders.The song depicts what blue-collar America believes,but is too intimidated to say without a fear of retribution.

Initially,in his lyrics Prince refers to our political leaders as "Mr.Man".This political term was popular during the mid-twentiesth century civil rights movement.The term applies to goverment officials that suppress the rights and beliefs of a particular group in society.Undoubtedly,the thesis of "Dear Mr Man" is clearly stated in lines one through four;and lines twenty-seven-through thirty.Prince declares that we address a letter,exemplifying our struggles and concerns,to "Mr Man".Many of the concerns include religion,war,the environment,social programs,and our due process rights that are guaranteed to each citizen by the United States Constitution.

Also,his lyrics reveal the politician's portrayal of a distorted image of America to the world.Several of our problems can be solved and much of our social programs can be improved.But ''Mr Man" refuses to accomplish social melting.Overall,Prince blames our politicians for the social misfortunes and injustices in our "not so free" America.Many of our citizens live shattered drrams.With our sunken spirits we implore our leaders the despondent question,"Why"?. Furthermore,Prince voices his frustration of our leaders incompetence and under-achievements.It seems that the more things change,the more things stay the same.Every politician makes an enchanting promise of evolution in our social and environmental policies,only to foil society's expectations.

Clearly,Prince targets our blundering buffoons of politics and demands that they stop their menadering and positively assert their energies to attain an improved quality of life for American citizens.It is our politician's solemn duty to hear the voice of America and attempt to resolve the citizen's concerns and obstacles.Our politicians are obligated to represent their constituents with respect,honesty,and without prejudice.We,as citizens,should expect no less.Also,Prince targets society and ask each citizen to take a firm stand for themselves,their family,their friends,and neighbors.After all,we need to remind our politicians that they were elected to their executive positions by the people and for the people.We,American citizens,possess the power for change.With persistence,citizens can influence our politicians towards achieving positive reform.

Moreover,Prince makes his intent very obvious and comprehensive.Americans can no longer sit idle and listen to empty promises.It is our right to stand firm and persuade our politicians to take action toward a more unified America.The arguments he presents are well organized and should be of great concern for everyone in the world,not just the United States of America.All in all,these issues influence our quality of life now and the equality of the lives of our future generations.

In conclusion,white-collar America and the ruling class live in a fog of lavishness.They do not have the decision of either buying a gallon of gas or buying a gallon of milk.America is not as alluring portrait painted by our perplexed politicians.In actuality,for many,America is a distorted image of conflicts and prejudices.America is confronted with the same social,environmental,and racial issues that defy the third world countries.We Can choose to take Prince's advice and write "Mr Man'' letters but let us be rational.The writer suggests knowledge and education.Americans have to unite and take a firm stand in our beliefs and act positive toward a common goal.To sum it up,knowledge is the key and only the educated are free.May the writer quote Mortimer Adler,a pre-eminent philosopher and educator of our time.He stated "Most Americans think of themselves as the subject of goverment and regard the administrators in public office as their rulers,instead of thinking of themseleves as the ruling class and public officials as their servants.

[Edited 1/22/18 16:01pm]

[Edited 1/22/18 16:02pm]

[Edited 1/22/18 16:28pm]

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Reply #1 posted 01/22/18 4:33pm

Seahorsie

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Thanks for sharing. Some good obervations from your old man.

Good morning children...take a look out your window, the world is falling...
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Reply #2 posted 01/22/18 4:49pm

panpac777

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So true and so right now!

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Reply #3 posted 01/22/18 4:50pm

panpac777

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panpac777 said:

So true and so right now!

He knew so much...and left us out in the cold.

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Reply #4 posted 01/23/18 5:30am

jdcxc

Great song and cool observations.

I was always troubled by Prince’s (and JW’s) anti-voting line in the song. It’s dangerous, hypocritical and wrong headed. The Vote has so much power in addressing all the ills that he so eloquently describes in the song. I understand his portrayal of frustration though.
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