Framing is arguably one of the most crucial concepts our students can learn. Framing and social construction are inextricably connected processes. Only when you understand how frames are used to manipulate (and create) the public\u2019s perception can you fully critically analyze social issues. If you don\u2019t understand framing, it\u2019s really easy to be taken by a well crafted message, regardless of how warranted and measured its claims are.<\/p>\n
The problem is, students struggle with the concept. Framing is almost a meta-process. It\u2019s something that often happens in between the lines. When done well it\u2019s subtle and covert. <\/p>\n
In class I will show my students a commercial, or some other curated message, and together we critically analyze each piece of the message. We work together to identify all of the symbols and frames used. Slowly, one by one, the class begins to nod along as we go through it until finally most of the class leans back in their chairs and smiles that, \u201cA ha!\u201d smile. However, the moment I ask them to do it on their own they struggle to see anything beyond the surface message.<\/p>\n
The deep analysis of cultural messages is hard to teach and hard to learn precisely because cultural messages and frames hide in plain sight. So instead of starting the learning process by trying to give students the eyes to see their surround in new ways, I think it\u2019s better to start with something much easier to see and then try to bring the skills gained back to the student\u2019s everyday life.<\/p>\n
The activity I am about to tell you about I\u2019ve never been tried before. Unlike most posts on SociologySource, I won\u2019t be talking about a project that worked smashingly for me. Rather, this is a call to our readers for help. I see a problem, I have an idea for a solution, and I need YOUR help to execute it.<\/p>\n
Using Cover Songs to Teach Framing<\/font><\/p>\n Music provides a handy metaphor for framing. When a band or artist covers a previously popular song in a way that is all together different it demonstrates how the same base material can be framed in very different ways to create starkly contrasting affects. At the end of this post I have some examples of just the sort of covers I am talking about.<\/p>\n I want to design a simple in-class (and\/or homework) assignment that asks students to read a bit about issue framing and then analyze two starkly different versions of the same song.<\/p>\n Help me find songs that have dramatically different versions between the original and the cover version. The Holy Grail would be a song with two versions that are diametrically opposed. For instance a song that is very stereotypically masculine and aggressive paired with a version that is stereotypically feminine and passive. I\u2019m looking for contradictory versions of songs that illustrate a sociological concept (gender, race, class, sexuality, etc.)<\/p>\n I have never found a concise discussion of framing that I\u2019ve liked for an intro level class. It\u2019s a complex idea that is hard to succinctly describe in simple terms. If you have an article or short piece that you\u2019ve had success with I\u2019d love to read it.<\/p>\n<\/ol>\n Want to help?<\/font><\/p>\n Send me your recommendations to me via Email: Nathan@SociologySource.com<\/a>, hit me up on twitter (@SociologySource<\/a>), or post it on our Facebook page<\/a>.<\/p>\n All contributors will be given credit by name. Thanks in advance!<\/p>\n Below are just a few examples. The original version followed by the cover.<\/p>\n \u201cWHIP MY HAIR\u201d<\/font><\/p>\nHere\u2019s What I Need<\/h2>\n
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Example Songs<\/h2>\n