STUDENT WORKSHEET 2-ROCK ‘N’ RACE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Directions: Complete the following discussion questions with your partner. Be prepared to share your thoughts at the end of class.

1. Based on your thematic map data, compose a main idea statement that reflects what

you and your partner perceive was the status of race relations during the 1950s.

2. If you had the option of labeling any of the timeline events with a “B”, representing BOTH progress and setback (or vice versa), would you have done so? If yes, which event(s) could you argue fit this category? Explain.

3. In 1950, 4.4 million American families had a television. By 1960, 50 million televisions were owned nationwide. What role did television play in making racial integration more common and acceptable to Americans (especially white Americans)?

4. You map reflects the positive influence of rock and roll on race relations. List and explain two examples of contemporary music genres, artists, or songs that appeal to interracial audiences, thus promoting cross-cultural understanding / progress / acceptance / appreciation.