Soc 120-Strange Fruit
As we have learned in this Module, for an act to be labeled deviant or not depends on many factors, including location, audience, and the individual committing the act (Becker 1963).
Billie Holiday’s recording of Strange Fruit, a song about lynching in American society, raised awareness about the brutality of racism and white supremacy. Despite being banned from the radio after its 1939 release, Strange Fruit was named “Song of the Century,” by Time Magazine in 1999 and included in the National Recording Registry on January 27 2003, Many argue Billie Holiday’s Strange Fruit continues to resonate today.
Why was this song banned? Who is this song denouncing? Why is singing a song considered a deviant act?
Instructions:
Watch this short video (3 minutes) of Billie Holiday singing Strange Fruit, while reading the lyrics as you hear her voice. After, type your responses to the questions below and upload a file here. The format you must follow is Times New Roman, 12 point font, double-space, with one-inch margins all around. Please type a minimum of one full page, and no more than two pages (do not include the questions as part of your reflection). Your header should only be your name. Only Microsoft Word or PDF files are accepted.
Southern trees bear strange fruit
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root
Black bodies swinging in the Southern breeze
Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees
Pastoral scene of the gallant South
The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth
Scent of Magnolias, sweet and fresh
Then the sudden smell of burning flesh
Here is a fruit for the crows to pluck
For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck
For the sun to rot, for the tree to drop
Here is a strange and bitter crop
Please share your experience in listening to this song. Was this your first time listening to it? Did you have any emotional reaction that you care to share?
How do the lyrics to this song convey the depths of racism? Why do you think this song was banned from the radio?
How can a song challenge what we consider normative or deviant, and or promote social awareness on critical issues of our time?
Can you think of other songs that call attention to social injustice in our society? Name one or more and explain how.
What other forms of popular culture. social activism, or community organizing have spurred movements for social justice?
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