Introduction
For my portfolio, I chose the assignments in which I felt are most representative of who I am. I chose Hamilton: An American Musical and A Revolutionary Teaching Tool because I love making my classes relevant to my students and I love my job. When you are a high school teacher, you will try to integrate anything to make your lessons relevant to the students you serve. When I first saw Hamilton: An American Musical, it was for pleasure, but when I began listening to the album, I began thinking as to how I can include it in my lessons (I am still figuring this out). The reason I took this class was for my own pedagogy, so I think that it’s important to include this part of myself in my portfolio.
I included A Latina’s Unrelenting Playlist because being a Latina is what I am most proud of. My Memoir Mixtape is reflective of my upbringing and my love for Spanish music, which made this assignment simple to write. I did make modifications to my draft by making it more personal and including a quote from a Latin artist of the impact Spanish music has on people. I think that revised essay stresses on my appreciation of Latin music.
I included my podcast, A Deep Dive into FFVII Music 1990’s vs 2020 because I am a girl gamer (albeit a lazy one). After the story and the gameplay, the next thing that is important in a video game is the music, it helps set the mood. Nobuo Uemtasu, the composer of most of The Final Fantasy games, is highly regarded and even holds Final FantasyConcerts. The impact that his music has had on the games is notable, which is why I decided to conduct a podcast comparing the 1997 and 2020 versions of his music. I made sure to include the suggested revisions, to give it more of a podcast feel.
The last assignment I included in my portfolio is my infographic, Rappers on Systemic Racism. The events of 2020 made a huge impact on me as a Latina and a teacher. I found it necessary to take time and reflect how long artists have been singing about it. I felt that by researching these songs, I would become more aware of some of the experiences my students endure. It was eye-opening. In my revisions, I made sure to be descriptive on all the songs I included on my infographic.
I believe that my portfolio embodies who I am as a person, my reader will have a clear idea as to who I am. I hope you enjoy reading through it!
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Hamilton: An American Musical and A Revolutionary Teaching Tool
| Hamilton: An American Musical made its debut on Broadway on January 20th, 2015. The musical was such a success, that it has garnered 55 awards and 28 other nominations. Hamilton: An American Musical has gone on both national and worldwide tours. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was released on Disney+ for those in quarantine to enjoy. Most recently, Sydney’s Lyric Theatre has made its own premiere on March 17th,2021. I will be examining the album recording of the show and its relevance in the classroom. |
Hamilton: An American Musical is an innovative album that takes the American Revolution and harmonizes it with modern music and rhetoric to make something truly exceptional. As a high school teacher, I understand the difficulties that come with teaching the American Revolution when students often don’t find it relevant to them. I remember when I was learning about the American Revolution, I used to think, “This happened 300 years ago, so what does it matter to me now?” Thankfully, there has been a paradigm shift that is encouraging the media to make history more accessible to everyone. For example, I know that when I am watching The Crown and something unexpected happens, the first thing I do is grab my phone and investigate the incident on Google. The same goes for Hamilton: An American Musical; it is an educational experience that makes the audience curious about the real-life characters and events in the album. Miranda grew up in New York City and attended its public schools, and I like to think he uses rap to keep the story of the American Revolution enticing to kids with a similar background.
Hamilton is an album that you have to listen to several times in order to wholly appreciate what it offers. Realistically speaking, not everyone can listen to the album on repeat, the way I do. Miranda recognized this and responded by using the chorus to emphasize certain parts of the faster paced tracks. If you are like me and don’t have an appreciation for rap, it can be harder for you to understand what is going on in the play. This is where Miranda artistically applies the chorus to help open up the songs to a wider audience. For example, in the song “Guns and Ships,” Daveed Diggs raps at a God-like pace, making it extremely difficult for someone like me to keep up with what he is singing. As Diggs chants, the chorus sings, “Lafayette” repeatedly to help keep the audience by telling them, “this is who is singing, and he was important to the American Revolution.” However, for rap and hip-hop aficionado’s the songs and the content covered in them prove to be entertaining and enticing. It leaves you wanting to know more about these characters. For a US History teacher teaching in NYC, this is a dream come true.
The entire album is a modern re-telling of Alexander Hamilton’s life, meaning that each song reflects a different part of his life. For example, “My Shot” is energetic and reflective of a young man’s aspirations in life while “It’s Quiet Uptown” is low-spirited and reflective of loss and grief. In any album, each song has a different beat and rhythm, Hamilton is different in this aspect. Within one song, the beat and rhythm can change drastically. In “Right Hand Man,” the song starts out with an ominous mood with the foreboding of an impending doom, but it ends with a hopeful sensation.
This transformation in mood was accomplished by the orchestra changing the beat and rhythm at least 5 times over the course of the song. A possible reason for the constant change in beat and rhythm is because this album is telling a story at a quick pace. This song starts off by hinting at the impossible chances of the colonies winning the American Revolution, but then it introduces Christopher Jackson’s George Washington, the driving force of the American Revolution. However, George Washington expresses his reservations of his abilities, resulting in him choosing Alexander Hamilton as his “Right Hand Man.” This song reflects Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey (Call to Adventure and Obtaining a Mentor), and like any other story, the mood and tone need to change, which is what “Right Hand Man” does with its beat and rhythm. The continuous change in beat and rhythm serves the purpose of keeping the audience on their toes as to what is going to happen next in this musical story, which makes it a great tool for an English classroom. As an ELA teacher, I would use Hamilton: An American Musical to teach skills like, analyzing authors purpose or central idea and ELA content like mood or tone.
While I am a huge fan of Hamilton: An American Musical both as an educator and a New Yorker, I realize that the music also has limitations. This modern re-telling of the American Revolution is Hamilton: An American Musical’s principal attraction, but also its flaw. Miranda assumes that his audience has at least heard of the characters that he presents. Personally speaking, I have only heard of the founding fathers and King George. The smaller characters like Hercules Mulligan and the fast-paced music made it difficult for me to truly appreciate his contributions and his purpose in the story. If anyone around the world is not familiar with American history, were to listen to this album, would they truly be able to appreciate the music?
Another complex flaw that exists in the play is the representation of the cast and the portrayals of the Founding Fathers. Personally, I loved and appreciated the colorblind casting that Hamilton prides itself on. However, I can understand why some may have qualms with African Americans portraying notorious slave owners while heroizing them. I imagine Miranda foresaw this as a problem and did his best to address these concerns in his lyrics. For example, in “Cabinet Battle #1” Hamilton retorts to Jefferson (a proud slave owner): “A civics lesson from a slaver, hey neighbor/ Your debts are paid ’cause you don’t pay for labor/ “We plant seeds in the South. We create.” Yeah, keep ranting/ We know who’s really doing the planting.” Here Miranda and Hamilton are demonizing Jefferson’s hypocrisy of the American ideals. The complexities of the representation of race that exists in Hamilton: An American Musical makes for a great conversation for a Participation in Government classroom. Considering the events of 2020, I strongly believe that children should be given a safe space to discuss these intricate topics.
If utilized correctly, Hamilton: An American Musical can be used as a hook for a Social Studies or ELA classroom. I am hoping that my fellow educators will find a way to integrate the play into their curriculums. Despite the complex racial issues surrounding the play, one thing is for sure, Hamilton: An American Musical compels its listeners to do their own historical research, granting an educational experience.
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A Latina’s Unrelenting Playlist
Growing up in a Spanish household, there was always one thing that was a constant in my life: music. As far back as I can remember, there was always music playing in the background of my home. As my mom cooked dinner, she would have Marc Anthony playing in the background, she is what we call a salsera (a person who loves to dance salsa).When we took road trips, my dad would have Elvis Crespo blasting in the car. When we attended a wedding or baptism, there was always an expectation that people should always be on the dance floor, even while the food was being served.
Spanish music is such an important part of the culture, that anyone who doesn’t dance is considered a pariah. Whenever we would visit my family in Ecuador, my poor brother would be the butt of all the jokes, as he never wanted to learn to dance (everyone tried to teach him, it just never stuck). Unlike my brother, I enjoyed dancing, it was a form of expression that I always appreciated. I loved dancing so much that I begged my parents to enroll me in a dance school. They did look into it, but being immigrants, they couldn’t afford it. Nevertheless, they did try to make up for it by teaching me themselves. Boy, did I love every minute of it. As a child of divorce, the only fond memories I have of my father are of him teaching me how to dance to salsa and merengue.
As kids become teenagers, they succumb to peer pressure, begin rejecting their backgrounds and seek out the popular culture that their friends are embracing. As I got older, even though I didn’t have many Latin friends, I never lost my appreciation for salsa and merengue. I craved more Spanish music. As technology started evolving, and personal music devices advanced, there was always a salsa or merengue playlist on it. There were just some songs that stuck with me over decades that were a necessary staple on my iPods. Most of the songs I will be listing out will be salsa or merengue, but there are a few staples that need to be mentioned that do not fall under this genre.
Selena- Como La Flor
Speaking frankly, no Latin playlist is complete without Selena. It is disrespectful to her memory to claim that you have an appreciation to Latin music and not have one of her many hits on your playlist. Selena is still known as the Queen of Tejano Music and her songs of love and flirting are still widely listened to despite her passing over 15 years ago. Most of her songs fall under the genre of Cumbia, but she was an important part of both American and Hispanic culture, so it is important for a Hispanic American, like myself, to include her in your playlist. Selena was the embodiment of a healthy diffusion of Hispanic and American cultures without prejudice. Selena aimed for people to see her as both Mexican and American, and wanted people to appreciate both identities. Selena’s legacy of dualism is so relevant that in tough times like these, I enjoy listening to her music to be reminded that being Hispanic is not something that should be demonized but embraced. Como La Flor is Selena’s first song to hit Platinum, this is a must have on your Latin playlist because of its beautiful analogy. Selena’s song compares a withered flower to a lost love, and it is beautifully written. Any person who has loved and lost can appreciate the romantic language and analogy, which makes it a Latin playlist must have!
Marc Anthony- Vivir Mi Vida
Marc Anthony is known as the King of Salsa, and his musical crown is appropriately given. While I have been exposed to many different salsa artists, none sticks out like Marc Anthony. My grandmother used to say, “Marc Anthony sure is ugly, but he has the voice of an angel.” I laughed every time I heard her say this, but she was right, his beauty comes from his voice and lyrics, which is exactly what I fell in love with. I could listen to all his albums on repeat and never get tired of listening to them (his looks did not matter to me). Vivir Mi Vida is unique because it’s not about love, but life. This song’s message is simple, go out there and live your life, and don’t let the bad times interfere with it. Marc Anthony does a good job of making his song and message lighthearted, catchy, and danceable. This is a must have on a Latinx’s playlist because it is important to remember that you need to enjoy and live life no matter how difficult it can get.
Elvis Crespo- Suavemente
Suavemente is a song that everyone has heard of and danced to, which makes it a necessary staple to your Latin playlist. Whenever you attend a Latin party, it is a guarantee that you will be listening to Suavemente. I remember for my Quinceañera, I specifically requested the DJ play this song because it was a song that both my American and Hispanic friends could dance to. Without fail, it drew all my friends and family to the dance floor (and still does). Even fifteen years after my Quinceañera, this is a song that all my friends and family enjoy dancing to. This is a song that I will always play at parties, as it is a guarantee to get the party going. This merengue hit went Platinum in 1998 and persists as one of the most listened to songs in Latin culture. The reason I believe this song is so popular is because of its easy danceability. When it comes to Hispanic parties, you always want your guests dancing, which is probably why you always hear Suavemente at them.
Celia Cruz- La Vida es Un Carnaval
If you grew up watching Telemundo like me, you know of the dancing woman who would sing “Azucar!” You loved her because her simple “Azucar” sent a message to enjoy the sweeter things in life. When I first saw Celia’s Telemundo commercial, I turned to my mom and asked her why my grandma was on TV. My mom burst out laughing, explaining to me who she was and stressing that I could never tell my grandmother what I had said (she wasn’t fond of Celia). I swear though, they were like twins. Celia Cruz is an artist that is from an older generation, but nevertheless important. She was known as the Queen of Salsa or Latin Music and made a huge impact on Spanish culture. She inspired modern day artists like Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez. Marc Anthony had many tributes to her in his music and when receiving awards. For example, in his song Valio La Pena, he references Celia in a lighthearted manner, he says: “Como dice Celia/ My English is not very good looking.” I also imagine that Marc Anthony’s song, Vivir Mi Vida was inspired by La Vida es un Carnaval. Celia’s song is about how it is important to live like it’s a carnival and not dwell on the bad things that happen in life. At the end she also makes sure to denounce things war and weapons. She was an important force that wanted to make a change in the world. No matter what, Celia reminds you to enjoy life, no matter what is thrown at you, which is why she is a necessary addition to any Latin playlist.
Son By Four- A Puro Dolor
Son by Four is unique because bands are a rarity in Spanish music, most Latin artists prefer solo careers. Son by Four’s most popular song is, A Puro Dolor, which has several different versions, including a ballad and another in salsa. This song is a must have on my playlist less for the artists and more the memories that I have attached to it. This was a song that my father always played when we drove somewhere. After he left, it still stuck around in a good way. This is my brother’s favorite salsa song, which says a lot since he doesn’t listen to older Spanish music the way I do. Whenever my mom, brother and I are spending time together, we always put it on so we can sing it together. On a more objective level, the song speaks on rejection in a pretty and melancholic way. This theme is so accessible, because rejection is something that everyone has experienced, it’s probably the reason why it is such a popular song in the Latin community.
Luis Enrique- Yo No Se Manana
Luis Enrique is known as the Prince of Salsa and received widespread recognition with Yo No Se Manana. Luis Enrique is best known for romantic salsa. I have listened to Yo No Se Manana many times over the course of my life, and while it is subtle, I believe he is speaking about a one-time romantic encounter. He sings how he doesn’t want to promise anything for tomorrow, because we don’t know what will happen. Maybe they will love or hate one another, who knows? The point is that they need to enjoy and live in the moment (which is what most of the song is about). This song will always make it onto my playlist because like Marc Anthony’s Vivir Mi Vida and Celia Cruz’s La Vida es un Carnaval, it speaks on life. Luis Enrique is right, we have no idea what will happen tomorrow, and people can relate. His romantic analogies of life being like an unwritten book (meaning we haven’t made decisions) and a roulette (taking chance) are quite stirring. Whenever I am having a rough day and I hear this song, it reminds me to have hope for tomorrow, because it could be better.
While I did my best to create a playlist this encapsulates both my childhood and the Latinx culture, it only scratches the surface. does not truly cover everything. Speaking honestly, I struggled with cutting down my playlist that has persisted over the years. There are many other artists that I wished I could’ve included in this list, such as, Jennifer Lopez, Johnny Rivera, Jerry Rivera, and Enrique Iglesias. However, when it came down to it, I wanted to keep my list of the songs I have had over the course of most of my life.
Enrique Iglesias, once said, “The power of music in Spanish is so strong, that I couldn’t stay away from it any longer.” I am a stubborn person, and I acknowledge that my 90’s soul has kept me from listening to more modern Spanish (and English) music, but I agree with Enrique. There is a reason why I cannot move on to appreciate modern music, and it’s because my childhood provided me with the best of what Spanish music has to offer. There is nothing like Spanish music, it is a beautiful form of physical and verbal communication that is appreciated by everyone no matter their background. Even the more modern musicians like Prince Royce and Romeo Santos make songs that are reminiscent of previous generations. For the Latinx community (not just myself), all these songs mean something to us. They are a part of our culture, overall being and have had an important impact on our lives. Simply put, these songs are a part of us.
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A Deep Dive into FFVII Music 1990’s vs 2020
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Rappers on Systemic Racism
The year 2020 has opened the eyes of many on the social injustices that exist between different racial groups. The events of 2020 made me want to examine the trends that exist in songs that are written about these injustices.
My earliest choice is Tupac’s “Changes” which was released in 1992. Tupac’s approach is quite different from my other choices, and I suspect it has to do with the time period and how racial injustices were viewed in the 90’s. If you notice on the chart, Tupac is represented the least because his tone and diction are significantly different than the other songs I mention. Unlike Hill’s explicit contemptuous tone for the way that African Americans are treated, Tupac takes a sadder approach in getting his message across. He wants his audience to be saddened by the situation that African Americans are in, while asking for changes. Hill uses the line “Rapings and beatings and suffering that worsens” against the melody of the Christmas song “My Favorite Things” to express her obvious frustration with society’s treatment of African Americans. Hill wants her audience to be furious with the rapings and beatings that African Americans are enduring. She is more explicitly saying that people need to be angry and fight for a change in the existing injustices. Tupac on the other hand takes a sadder tone and considering the time period, I understand why. In this time period, African Americans were painted as criminals. With this in mind he uses lyrics like, “Give the crack to the kids who the hell cares/ One less hungry mouth on the welfare,” to get his point across. Tupac is lamenting on how the system is affecting African- American children and how few opportunities they have to succeed.
In “Changes” Tupac’s diction is more laid back and I suspect that it was due to the time period, as there wasn’t as much call for social change as there is today. Tupac had to adjust his word choice so he uses words like, “That’s just the way it is/ Things will never be the same/ That’s just the way it is.” His diction created a chorus that everyone is still familiar with today. If you also notice, “Changes” has one of the higher points in danceability, which I imagine was done purposefully. Tupac probably felt that the best way for the song to catch on was by making sure it becomes popular, hence why the song is danceable and singable. By making this song so popular and accessible, he was able to create a song that everyone can reference while still asking for social change even beyond his life. Lil Baby’s “The Bigger Picture” on the other hand literally starts with snippets of media coverage. Lil Baby utilizes real and honest diction to express the state of paranoia African Americans live in. For example, he raps, “Tell ’em wherever I’m at, then they comin’/ I see blue lights, I get scared and start runnin’/ That shit be crazy, they ‘posed to protect us.” Here he is expressing to the audience that a simple police interaction has many scared. By using pathos and imagery he is calling out for a more immediate social change because no one can reasonably live in a constant state of fear.
The last two songs, Eminem’s “Untouchable” and Childish Gambino’s “This is America” are unique as they take a satirical approach to America’s racial disparities. Eminem uses his position as a white rapper to emphasize how society views people like him as “untouchable.” He includes himself in the white narrative by singing, “And just in case a chase might ensue, we got that tried and true/ Pistol drew right at you, we’d be delighted to unload it/In your back, then walk up and lay that taser on the side of you.” Here he is making fun of the excessive violence white police officers use African Americans. Eminem’s satirical approach is obvious in his lyrics, but for “This is America” you need to watch the music video in order to truly appreciate Childish Gambino’s satirical approach. In the music video, Childish Gambino shoots down several different people, but the guns are always handled more carefully than the human lives it just took. I believe that “This is America” is a statement to people who put priority in their guns over the gun violence that is happening against African Americans. Both Eminem and Childish Gambino are stressing the ridiculousness of the racial injustices that exist in America. They want their audiences to think, “Is this for real,” “you’ve gotta be kidding me,” or “this has to stop.” Both artists are using satire to encourage their audiences to recognize the blatant inequalities so they can call for change.
As can be seen in the infographic, each artist has taken a unique approach to how they view racial injustices. While each song is very different, one thing is for sure, they are all making a heavy political statement.
Acknowledgments
My boyfriend, Phil – My brother, Andy – My best friend, Jonathan – My mom – Lin-Manuel Miranda – The Cast of Hamilton: An American Musical – Tupac – Nobuo Uematsu – Final Fantasy – Selena – Marc Anthony – Elvis Crespo – Celia Cruz – Son by Four – Luis Enrique – Jennifer Lopez – Johnny Rivera – Jerry Rivera – Enrique Iglesias – All Latin Singers
