Materialism and Capitalism and Hip-Hop
Lesson 5: Water Vs. Bling
Objectives:
- To show the participants acknowledge the value of things one needs to survive, such as water (essential resources) vs. what one perceives as a need or want (material wealth).
Materials:
- Projector
- Lap-top with internet access
- Handouts of lyrics for songs:
Mos Def - “New World Water”,
Nas - “Shine On" - Chart paper, or use a projector and type it on screen
Procedure
Videos & Discussion:
View the music videos with the class.
Video 1: Cash Money Millionaires - "Bling, Bling" (music video)
Play clip from video (1:15 min).
Discussion:
- Ask the group which would you pick, a Glass of Water or a diamond necklace (Bling)?
- Talk about why they picked the one they did.
Handout: Mos Def - “New World Water” (lyrics)
Play music video (3:29 min).
Discuss and chart the uses for Water vs. Diamonds:
- Create a chart with two labelled columns: "Uses of Water" and "Uses of diamonds/gold". Ask the group to list all of the uses for water, and all the uses for diamonds/gold
| Uses of Water | Uses of Diamonds/Gold |
|---|---|
|
|
Download and print this chart
Video 3: "The Corporation"
Play the privatization of water in Bolivia clip from video (first 4:02 min).
Discuss privatization of water:
- What do you think about that?
- For those who chose the “bling” would you still pick the “bling” over water?
Video 4: "The Diamond Life" (documentary video)
Play the conflict diamonds mini documentary video VIOLENCE WARNING! (6:55 min).
Handout: Nas - "Shine On" (lyrics)
Play music video (2:33 min).
Discuss conflict diamonds:
- After watching both of the videos ask students to pick out lyrics from the song “Shine On” and talk about what that means to them or any lines that they want clarification on.
(Facilitator may also bring lyrics to the attention of the class that point out important topics/issues.)
