Peer response.

Student One

Each song portrays the south in a different manner. One from the view of an outsider

and one from the view on the insider. In "southern man" he views the south as racist and

views it in a negative way where in "Sweet home, alabama" they view alabama in a more

positive manner and more as a place to live. I think that in modern times and in the past, there

are misconceptions about songs. I think for "Sweet Home, Alabama" people could portray

and think that Lynyrd Skynyrd is racist from a single song, when not knowing about them at

all. A song in modern times I think to address this stereotype is "American Idiot" by Green

Day.

 Reply

I agree with you that in “Sweet Home, Alabama”, Alabama is viewed as a more

positive manner and a good place to live. I agree since the song dealt with the themes of

racism and slavery. I also support your point that "American Idiot" by Green Day portrays the

same theme as “Sweet Home, Alabama” and to add to that, the song expresses the attitude of

the author.

Student Two

So southern man is clearly about black slaves and the white's treatment of them and the

differences in their worlds. I also understood the Lily Belle part is that the husband found out

which black man the woman was having an affair with and that when he sees him again he
will kill him. The things I don't understand are what’s this good back that is spoken about, is

it the rules of how to behave or what? The other thing is the payback that is talked about, are

they speaking of revolting or claiming for past transgressions?

So, I originally thought this song was just about a man who missed his homeland but

there seems to be much more context. Such as about a governor in Birmingham which

frankly isn't that concerning to me but I did understand the Watergate reference and then I

realized this song might have some involvement with more than just Alabama. I really liked

the guitar playing in this song.

Reply

I agree with you that “southern man” is all about slavery black and this is due to the

difference in color which is racism. In this song, the good back spoken about is simply the

rules of how to behave. Also, there are paybacks that are talked about and they reflect the

past transgressions.