Offensive lyrics: is there any excuse?

American singer-songwriter Beyoncé recently hit the headlines for using an ableist term (one that fosters discrimination against disabled people) in lyrics on her latest album, which she then revised. Was the pop star right to change the word? This week, explore different scenarios and discuss whether offensive song lyrics can ever be excused.

Published 10 August 2022

This lesson is more than 2 years old. Please check the facts before teaching to ensure they are up-to-date and still correct.

Use this one-hour Headline lesson to help your students:

  • Listen to others and structure a discussion on the responsibility of artists
  • Make connections between examples of offensive lyrics
  • Decide whether different scenarios can be excused

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