Why is This Land Is Your Land offensive?
The fact is, though, that Woody Guthrie would have despised any use of the song as a feel-good, ahistorical call for unity. Initially written in 1940 as a retort to Irving Berlin’s jingoistic God Bless America, Guthrie’s song is a scathing condemnation of the very idea that land can be owned, treated as property.
What is the protest message of This Land Is Your Land?
“In the context of America, a nation-state built by settler colonialism, Woody Guthrie’s protest anthem exemplifies the particular blind spot that Americans have in regard to Natives: American patriotism erases us, even if it comes in the form of a leftist protest song. Why? Because this land ‘was’ our land.”
What is the story behind This Land Is Your Land?
In February 1940, Guthrie wrote “This Land is Your Land” in reaction to Irving Berlin’s song “God Bless America.” Guthrie heard Berlin’s song repeatedly while he traveled cross-country and became increasingly annoyed that it glossed over the lop-sided distribution of land and wealth that he was observing and had …
Who originally sings This Land Is Your Land?
Woody Guthrie
“This Land Is Your Land” is one of the United States’ most famous folk songs….This Land Is Your Land.
| “This Land Is Your Land” | |
|---|---|
| Song by Woody Guthrie | |
| Recorded | 1944 |
| Genre | Folk |
| Songwriter(s) | Woody Guthrie |
Is this land is my land a communist song?
Some have called “This Land Is Your Land” an alternative national anthem. Others say it’s a Marxist response to “God Bless America.” It was written and first sung by Woody Guthrie. Over time, it’s been sung by everyone from Bruce Springsteen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
How did people react to This Land Is Your Land?
“This Land Is Your Land” is how we’re gonna celebrate today?’ ” Although the song is often recognized as a patriotic anthem, Native Americans argue that the song plays into America’s continual erasure of Indigenous peoples in culture.
Who is folk singer Guthrie?
Woody Guthrie, byname of Woodrow Wilson Guthrie, (born July 14, 1912, Okemah, Oklahoma, U.S.—died October 3, 1967, New York, New York), American folk singer and songwriter whose songs, many of which are now classics, chronicled the plight of common people, especially during the Great Depression.
Who wrote Canadian version of This Land Is Your Land?
“This Land Is Your Land” was written by Woody Guthrie and arranged by Michael Davis. Episode 4575 C. Aired July 1, 2017.