Writing/Essay/Journal
Musician “Spider” John Koerner started in music emulating black blues musicians from the 1920s and 1930s. He makes the statement, “I eventually decided I didn’t want to try to be a black guy anymore.” What is the difference between what you do and who you are? What is the difference between trying to emulate someone’s music and trying to be them? How does what you like influence who you are? Is there any reason for race to enter into this at all? Also, other than simply to create something – what is the larger message or motivation for Koerner?

Activity
Write a folk song that has to do with the current culture or items in the news.