Week 3 Discussion: Power, Performance, and Media

Readings: Chapter 2 and 3 of “Literacy Power” (not required but will help) I’ll post scans for both chapters this week

Instructions for Discussion Participation: Analyzing Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Performance

Watch the video: Start by watching Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance carefully. Don’t just focus on the music—pay attention to the visuals, lyrics, movements, and overall atmosphere. Take notes on what stands out to you.

Key Areas to Focus On:

1. Power and Influence:

   • How does Lamar use his performance to highlight issues of social power, race, and marginalization?

   • What symbols or messages does he use to emphasize power struggles?

   • How does the audience’s reaction contribute to the power dynamic in the performance?

2. Propaganda and Meaning Construction:

   • Are there elements in the performance that construct a specific narrative or message?

   • How does Lamar’s use of repetition, imagery, or symbolism function similarly to how propaganda works in media?

   • In what ways could this performance influence public perception of social issues?

Ask Yourself These Questions While Watching:

• What symbols (e.g., clothing, choreography, or props) are being used to convey power or resistance?

• How does the context of the Super Bowl amplify or shape the meaning of the performance?

• Is the message explicit or implied, and how does that relate to what we learned about media constructs in Chapter 3?

Participating in the Discussion:
When responding to the discussion questions, try to connect your observations back to the readings. Feel free to challenge or build upon your classmates’ interpretations. Be thoughtful and respectful, and aim to create meaningful dialogue.

Suggested Article to Help You Analyze:

• Article:
  This article provides an insightful breakdown of the messages, symbols, and context of Lamar’s performance, which will be helpful in forming your responses.

• Discussion Questions (Due Thursday, Feb. 13):

  1. How does Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance reflect the ideas about power discussed in Chapter 2 of Janks’ book?

  2. How can elements of performance, like those seen in Lamar’s Super Bowl show, be compared to the way propaganda constructs meaning, as discussed in Chapter 3?

  3. In what ways do performances like Lamar’s influence public perception or create space for social critique?