"Southern Man" Constructed Response Activity
Southern
man better keep your head
Don't forget what your good book said
Southern change gonna come at last
Now your crosses are burning fast
Southern man
I
saw cotton and I saw black
Tall white mansions and little shacks.
Southern man when will you pay them back?
I heard screamin' and bullwhips cracking
How long? How long?...
Excerpt from song "Southern
Man" by Neil Young
Sir,
I do firmly believe that domestic slavery, regulated as ours is, produces the
highest
toned, the purest, best organization of society that has ever existed on the
face of the earth.
~ James H. Hammond, Congressman
from
1. What is the main topic or subject of
both the song and the statement?
2. Compare the song excerpt and the
quotation. Do they express similar or contrasting attitudes and opinions? Be
sure to cite examples of language from each source to fully explain your
answer.
3. Which document expresses ideas that
would be supported by abolitionists and members of the Republican party in the
mid 1800's. Explain your answer.
4. Considering the opinions and ideas
expressed in each reading which person would most likely support the Fugitive Slave
Act of 1850? Explain your answer.
5. Write
meaningful concept sentences about the events and issues confronting Americans
during the 1850’s. using the following words; choice, power, justice,
empathy, human rights.