The Functions and Effects of Music
By Samuel L. Becker
Given name: sirname/ Christian name? Family name/ last name
[1] You are well aware of (=realize) the fact that books, newspapers, magazines, motion pictures (film/ movie), radio, and television have been used for persuasive purposes: to sell beer and soap (~ watch), ideas and political candidates; to bring about (cause/ lead to) social change or to quell a revolution. Few of us think about music or recordings being used for these purposes, but they are and have been for a long time.
[2] Every war has had its songs that whipped up (arouse) patriotic fervor or, in the case (example) of the Vietnam War, that encouraged protest against it. Some titles of records popular in this country during World War II suggest (show) the extent (degree) of the mobilization of the recording industry for the war effort: \"Remember Pearl Harbor\Slap That Dirty Little Jap\Today\
[Bonds: [C] bond (between A and B) something that forms a connection between people or groups, such as a feeling of friendship or shared ideas and experiences: e.g. A bond of friendship had been forged between them. E.g. The agreement strengthened the bonds between the two countries. E.g. the special bond between mother and child]
[3] The anti-Vietnam protests of the sixties and early seventies brought forth (=brought
about) quite another kind of song. One was \"Big Muddy\following their commanding officer into a river where many were drowned. Those (=those people) who sang and heard the song knew that the \"Big Muddy\" referred to Vietnam and the commander to President Lyndon Johnson, and their antiwar passions were intensified (=strengthened). \"Where Have All the Flowers Gone\\"Give Peace a Chance\" were other popular songs whose recordings were widely played and used to build (arouse) resistance to the war.
[4] Music is used not only to add (increase) persuasive bits of information for the messages in our heads about war. Persuasive music plays an important role (part) in peacetime also (too). \"We Shall Overcome\" was a tremendously (great) important force in the civil rights movement, just as the folk (people) songs of Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Woody Guthrie have been important to the peace movement. In recent times, music has been used to raise money as well as (=and) consciousness (conscience) for various causes. The Live Aid (help), Farm Aid, Band Aid, and USA for Africa concerns (worries) and recording sessions raised funds for such causes as famine relief in Africa and destitute (poor) American farmers.
[5] Somewhat (a little/<->somehow=for reasons unknown) further back in this country's history, the radical left adopted (used / made use of) many old Negro spirituals (songs) to communicate its message effectively. \"We Shall Not Be Movedhe official song of the radical Southern Tenant Farmers Union in the 1930s. In the 1930s also, \"Gimme That Old Time Religion\" was transformed into \"Gimme That New Communist Spirit\". That sort (kind) of adaptation of songs—giving them new lyrics (words)--has been a favorite tactic (strategy) of many groups who want to use music for persuasive purposes. The idea (belief) is to take a song that people like or that has particular meaning or emotional
association for them and use it with new words, hoping that some of the liking, meaning, or emotional associations will transfer to the new ideas being communicated. And it often works.
Threats of Censorship
[6] Such political uses of music have never caused much controversy in this country. There has been some pressure at times (often) to keep certain anti-war songs or songs associated with the radical left off the air, but this pressure has been neither strong nor persistent. Far more pressure and controversy (Resistance) has been aroused by the lyrics of some of the popular songs of the last twenty or thirty years. Many critics have charged (be in charge of sth.) that certain rock-and-roll songs encourage sexual promiscuity and the use of drugs. Rightly or wrongly, the dress and antics (unusual behavior) of some of the rock music stars, both on and off the stage, reinforce (confirm) these beliefs. As a result, a number of community and national groups have applied pressure on stations to keep these songs and performers off the air. These charges also stimulated investigations by the Federal Communications Commission, the regulatory agency charged with overseeing (supervising) broadcast practices. The FCC has taken the position, unpopular with many broadcasters, that the station licensee has the same public service responsibility in selecting and rejecting music to be played on the station as it has in selecting and rejecting any other content of the station. The FCC position is that the station should exercise the same supervision of what is sung on the station as of what is said. In a general sense (=generally speaking), this is a reasonable position and the only one the FCC could take, given (=if consideration is given to the fact that…) present law. A problem arises (occurs) with the interpretation (explanation) of this injunction, however. Does it mean a station should permit no language or ideas in a song
that it would not permit on the news or in a sports program? Or does it mean the station should recognize (realize) that different forms of communication or entertainment, or programs designed for different kinds of audiences, should have different standards concerning (about) language and ideas? This issue (problem) is still far from (being) settled.
[7] Having been largely unsuccessful in keeping sexually suggestive songs or songs that seem to be promoting drug use off the air, some parents' groups in recent years have been attempting (trying) to force (make) companies to label their recordings in the same way film companies now label motion pictures. The assumption (belief) is that such labels will provide parents with information they need to control the kinds of music to which their young children are exposed (be exposed to sth.). One of the major pressure groups involved in this attempt (try) is the Parents Music Resource Center based in Washington, D. C. The leaders in this group include the wives of some powerful congressmen and other government officials, so it is taken seriously by leaders in the music industry. The concern (worry) of many people in the music business, though, is that the labeling being advocated could be just a first step toward other forms of control or censorship.
take sth. seriously<->take it easy
The Impact (influence) of Recordings on Our Perceptions (perceive/ understanding)
[8] Whatever the direct effects of musical recordings on our attitudes and behaviors (are), they are certainly an ever-present (everlasting) and important part of our communication environment, and they contribute to the realities in our heads. No one who listened to popular music during the 1980s could escape (=avoid) the perception (understanding) that
drugs were a major factor in the lives of many people. Popular music of the early 1970s contributed to (led to) the belief that most people opposed the war in Vietnam. These messages, sneaking into consciousness from the background music around us, formed an important part of our communication mosaics, just as the messages in today's music form an important part of our present communication mosaics.
The Role of Music in Identification and Rebellion
(ID card: Identity Card)
[9] Popular music has two other major functions or effects. It provides each generation of young people a common and cherished (valued) experience. Years later, the sound of that music can bring strangers together and stimulate memories of that earlier era (time). Vivid evidence of the meaningfulness of such experiences can be seen by watching the tourists who are attracted to Graceland, Elvis Presley's former home and now the site of his grave in Memphis. A common sight there is the middle-aged married couple bringing their children to see and, they hope, to feel some of the special magic Presley created for them during their courtship and early married years.
[10] Another major function popular music serves is the (provide) provision of a relatively harmless source of rebellion for the young. Each generation of young has its own music, almost invariably (always) unappreciated (unenjoyed) by parents, just as parents' favorite music was unappreciated by their parents. This music is important in part (=partially) because older people do not like it, and in part because demonstrating one's love of it is part of the ritual of affiliation (connection) with peers.
[11] One author has suggested (said) that popular music also serves a \"rite of passage\" function for young girls. The teenage singing idols may serve as non-threatening substitutes for actual boys until boys' maturation catches up with that (maturation) of girls and some semblance of easy boy-girl relationships can be established. (1, 316 words)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Samuel L Becker (Ph. D. University of Iowa) is a professor in the University of Iowa and the chairman of the University of Iowa Foundation and Distinguished Professor Emeritus (honorable) of Communication Studies. His professional life centered on (focus on) educational process, and especially on students. A lecturer-ship in his honor was launched by the University in 2001-2002.
Emeritus: (often Emeritus) used with a title to show that a person, usually a university teacher, keeps the title as an honor, although he or she has stopped working: e.g. the Emeritus Professor of Biology; In NAmE the form Emerita / i'merɪtə / is used for women: Professor Emerita Mary Judd.
processed food
EXERCISES
I . Reading Comprehension
Answer the following questions or complete the following .statements.
1. In the first paragraph the author points out that _____.
A. music is different from other means of mass media
B. music or recordings have not been used for persuasive purpose
C. music has the same function in persuasion as other mass media
D. the common purpose of mass media is for advertising
2. From the information presented in this reading, you can infer that the recording industry _____.
A. prefers to remain politically neutral
B. was forced by the public to release patriotic songs
C. has remained anti-war over the past fifty years
D. has taken a political stand in past wars
3. Adapting old familiar songs with new lyrics is intended to _____.
A. transfer feelings or associations from old to new
B. bring back fond memories
C. create new folk heroes
D. reestablish familiar environments
4. According to the first part of the text, music has played an important role in the _____.
A. political campaigns of many leaders
B. civil rights movement
C. establishment of new laws
D. economic development
5. The Federal Communications Commission's position on censorship of music states that it is _____.
A. the artist's responsibility
B. the station's responsibility
C. the program director's responsibility
D. the listener's or parents' responsibility
6. Which of the following best defines the word \"mosaics\" as used at the end of third
section?
A. Artistic models. B. Attitudes and behaviors.
C. Social skills. D. Various forms.
7. Which of the following conclusions can be most clearly drawn from this article?
A. Music will continue to be a form of social and political expression.
B. The Federal Communications Commission will soon change its position on censorship.
C. Music will cease to distinguish one generation from another.
D. Elvis Presley will still be popular with successive generations.
8. From the last paragraph of the reading, it is reasonable to infer that _____.
A. singing idols are important in the establishment of boy-girl relationships
B. boys' emotional maturation is equal to that of girls of the same age
C. boys prefer not to become involved with girls
D. girls mature more rapidly than boys during early teenage years
9. The passage suggests that the functions of music are _____.
A. unique B. questionable C. diverse D. extraordinary
10. The author's primary purpose in writing the passage is to _____.
A. discuss the functions of music in our society
B. argue that music has been used by age groups
C. urge censorship of controversial lyrics
D. describe music as a political tool
II. Vocabulary
A Read the following .sentences and decide which of the four choices below each sentence is closest in meaning to the underlined word.
1. The company began aggressive advertising campaigns, increased its variety (categories) of beers, and further expanded its markets. By 1991 Coors beer was available (=on sale) in all 50 states. It also worked to improve its image and quell（制止, 结束, 镇压）ongoing (ever-lasting) boycotts.
A. investigate B. condemn C. crush D. forbid
2. With his strong right-wing views, and close affiliation（联系，隶属） to the military, he'd long been regarded as a (swear) sworn enemy of the people.
A. emotion B. association C. communication D. reaction
3. Adams supported what became known as the Boston tea party, and thereafter he firmly supported the patriotic（爱国的）measures that led step by step to American independence.
A. passionate B. moderate C. radical D. nationalistic
4. The best hope is that we will have a rapid mobilization（动员） of international opinion in
support of the movement.
A. calling up(on) B. bringing up C. catching up (with) D. getting up
5. When he was there (be present/ witness sth.), he often gave food and coins to the destitute（贫苦的）children who lived on the street.
A. deserted adj.)
B. poor C. homeless D. despaired (->desperate:
6. Combining social commentary with rhythmic lyrics(词), heavy bass beats, and remixed or original melodies, rap is one of the most controversial of black musical forms.
A. words B. music C. band D. dance
7. The history of newspapers, magazines, and other publications in the country has varied, depending upon the level of censorship(书报审查制度) in the ruling government.
A. support B. sponsor C. control D. restoration
8. The cause of the incidence has been kept off the air in the radio by the administration.
A. secret B. not broadcasted C. publicized D. not known
9. He took out a court injunction (法令，判决) against the newspaper demanding the return of the document.
A. sentence (sb. to death) B. bias C. suspension (bridge) D. order
10. A great cheer went up from the crowd as (=when) they caught sight of (noticed) their idol(偶像).
A. figure B. idea C. hero D. foe(敌人)
B. Choose the best word or expression from the list given for each blank. Use each word or expression only once and make proper changes where necessary.
whip up
bring forth
keep... off the air
reinforce
persistent
catch up with persuasive tremendous tactic intensify
1. The congressmen accused politicians of (=charge sb. with sth.) whipping up anti-foreign sentiment (->sentimentalism) in order to win right-wing votes. (capital, The Capitol, government)
2. It was a tragic love affair that brought forth (brought about/ led to) only pain. (extra affairs)
3. His competence (=ability) as an economist had been reinforced (=strengthened/ confirmed) by his successful fight against inflation.
*4. The cause of the incidence has been kept off the air in the radio by the administration.
5.The improvement in standards has been steady and persistent, but has attracted little comment from educationalists. (persist in=insist on)
6. Others are using secure Internet connections to intensify relations with some of their trading partners.
7. Those ideas were persuasive and the Legislature gave us the appropriation(拨款funds).
8. There was a tremendous (great/ serious) lack of communication between us. We sometimes misunderstood each other.
9. Children in underachieving schools finally caught up with students in other schools with extra tutoring and help. (achieve=accomplish)
10. He was always straightforward (=frank) and did not understand about strategy (strategic missile) and tactics. III. Cloze
There are ten blanks in the following passage. Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer from the four choices given below the passage.
Popular Music is music produced for and sold to a broad 1 audience. Types of popular music include jazz, music from motion pictures and musical comedies, country-and-western music, rhythm-and-blues music (R&B), rock music, and rap (or hip-hop). 2 Shaped by social, economic, and technological forces, popular music is closely 3 linked to the social identity of its performers and audiences. Early musical styles were also very 4 influential in shaping popular music.
Another important development at the close of the 20th century was the influence of digital 5 technology, including storage media such as recordable compact discs and DVDs (Digital Video Discs), the Internet, and MP3 compression, which allows 6 sound files to be compressed to less than 10 percent of their original size. The transformation of musical sound into digital files allowed music to be transmitted (convey/ transfer), reproduced, and 7 manipulated in a virtual form, easily passing from one computer to another in a different part of the world in just minutes (or seconds). This has raised legal and technological
questions which will no doubt shape (form) the 8 course of American popular music for years to come: What kind of rights does a consumer 9 purchase (buy) when they buy a copy of a recording? What does it mean when a consumer licenses the right to download and use the contents of a(n) 10 album rather than buying a physical copy of it? How will the transformation of music into pure information affect musicians and how they are compensated? What will the music industry of tomorrow look like?
1. A. viewers B. spectators C. audience D. mass
2. A. Shut B. Shifted C. Shaken D. Shaped
3. A. linked to B. stuck in C. committed to D. absorbed in
4. A. interesting B. influential C. instant D. indicative
5. A. invention B. technology C. innovation D. device
6. A. sound B. text C. digital D. recorded
7. A. smashed B. enlarged C. confined D. manipulated
8. A. road B. route C. course D. passage
9. A. establish B. stimulate C. purchase D. erect
10. A. collection B. album C. selection D. copy
IV. Translation
Put the following into Chinese.
1. Every war has had its songs that whipped up patriotic fervor or, in the case of the Vietnam War that encouraged protest against it.
每场战争都有自己的歌曲来唤起人们的爱国热情或者如在越南战争中鼓励人们反战。
2. The idea is to take a song that people like or that has particular meaning or emotional association for them and use it with new words, hoping that some of the liking, meaning, or emotional associations will transfer to the new ideas being communicated. And it often works.
改词是把一首人们喜爱或者对他们具有特殊意义或感情色彩的歌曲填上新词，希望把这种喜爱、意义或感情色彩带到正在传播的新观念中。通常这种方法很奏效。
3 As a result, a number of community and national groups have applied pressure on stations to keep these songs and performers off the air. These charges also stimulated investigations by the Federal Communications Commission, the regulatory agency charged with overseeing broadcast practices.
结果一些社团和全国性团体向电台或电视台施加压力让他们禁播这些演员的节目。这些 指控也促使负责广播业的监管机构联邦通讯委员会开始进行调查。
4. Does it mean a station should permit no language or ideas in a song that it would not
permit on the news or in a sports program? Or does it mean the station should recognize that different forms of communication or entertainment, or programs designed for different kinds of audiences, should have different standards concerning language and ideas?
这是否意味着在广播电台或电视台播放的歌曲中不允许出现那些在新闻或体育节目中禁止出现的语言和观念？或者这是否意味着电台或电视台应该承认不同的交流或娱乐形式，或是为不同听众设计的节目，在语言和观念上应该具有不同的标准？
5. One author has suggested that popular music also serves a \"rite of passage\" function for young girls. The teenage singing idols may serve as non-threatening substitutes for actual boys until boys' maturation catches up with that of girls and some semblance of easy boy-girl relationships can be established.
一位作者指出流行音乐也成了女孩子们成熟的标志。在同龄男孩子成长为像女孩子那样 成熟并能较容易地与女孩子建立朋友关系之前，少年歌星可能会成为不会对女孩子形成威胁的男友的替身。
V. Oral Practice and Discussion
1. How was music used during World War II and during the Vietnam War?
2. Describe peacetime uses of music.
3. List the major effects and functions of music.
4. Identify the basic issues in the FCC regulatory position.
5. What problems do you foresee in the development of record labeling plans?
6. Adaptation of popular or favorite songs is a persuasive tactic. Where is this technique used today? Cite several examples. (Hint: Advertising commercials)
7. If music shapes our perceptions and attitudes, then, should we be forced to listen to music in public places such as restaurants and shopping malls?
8. Are there other effects of music not included in this article?
VOCABULARY ITEMS
1. quell: v. to cause to an end; put down镇压，消除; suppress; ~ comferernce
2. whip up: v. to cause to rise, become stronger, etc. 唤起，鞭策；urge
3. mobilization: n. the action to gather together (people or feelings) for a particular service or use动员，调动; mobile: adj. ~ phone; mobilize: vt.; automobile; cart
4. destitute: adj. lacking the simplest necessary things of life (necessity: food, clothing, shelter) or the means to buy or get them缺乏，穷困的; shelter sb. from sth. (dangerous)
5. lyric: n. the words of a song or a short poem suitable for singing歌词
6. tactic: n. strategy(n. ->strategic missile) a means of getting a desired result策略; means of transportation; tactical: adj.; a mean person
7. censorship: n. the practice of examining (books, films, letters, etc.) with the intention of removing anything offensive审查（制度）; under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party
8. promiscuity: n. not limiting to one sexual partner乱婚; promise->compromise; win-win situation
9. antics: n. funny actions滑稽的动作; anti-: against; arc->antarctic
10.licensee: n. a person to whom official permission is given持有执照者; driving (driver’s) license; trainer<->trainee; interviewer->interviewee; addresser<->addressee
11. injunction: n. a law or a court order prohibiting a party from a specific course of action命令，指令; conjunction->conj.
12. mosaic: n. the fitting together of small pieces of colored stone, glass, etc. on a base to which they are fixed, so as to form a pattern or picture. Here it means sth. that is made by putting together a number of different things马赛克，拼盘
13. idol: n. an image worshipped as a god/ hero偶像，神像
14. ritual: n. the prescribed order of a religious ceremony典礼，仪式; wizard
15. affiliation: n. connection联系，隶属关系
16. maturation: n. the process of becoming mature成熟 mature: a.
17. semblance: n. a representation标志: resemble: symbol
18. keep... off the air: not to broadcast through radio or TV不播放; On air:
19. rite of passage: the form of behavior that shows girl teenagers have matured女孩成人典礼
NOTES
1. Vietnam War: military struggle fought in Vietnam from 1959 to 1975 with the involvement of the United States of America: vitamin: vital: adj.
2. Pearl Harbor: inlet of the island of Oahu, Hawaii, about 10 km (about 6 mi) west of Honolulu, and the site of one of the principal naval bases of the United States. Early in the morning of December 7, 1941, Japanese submarines and carrier-based planes attacked the U.S. Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor. Nearby military airfields were also attacked by the Japanese planes. 珍珠港
3. Jap: derogatory term of Japanese
4. Star Spangled Banner: national anthem of the United States美国国旗
5. Lyndon Johnson: Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th United States president
6. Elvis Presley: Presley, Elvis Aaron (1935-1977), American singer and actor, one of the most popular entertainers of the 20th century, renowned as an early pioneer of rock-and-roll
music猫王
7. rock-and-roll: also known as rock n' roll. It is the first genre (kind/ sort) of the music and rhythm-and-blues music (RE&B), influenced mainly by black American musicians.
READING SELECTION B
Whose Lead I Should Follow?
By Maureen O’Keefe
[1] As I ponder whom it might be that I would consider a role model, I realized that there are a lot of people I know personally that I could look to for inspiration. But I am sharing these thoughts with others who most likely do not know my friend or my sister-in-law or the gal I work with. Therefore I think I should write about someone famous. But, it seems that these days there are not a lot of good role models to choose from. At least not from the \"typical\" choices that we usually think of as role models. I realize celebrities' private lives should be just that; but when a person is in the limelight perhaps they should use that notoriety for some sort of good.
[2] There are some criteria that my role model must possess. First, she must be close to my age. She has to have overcome some obstacle, or maybe better said, did not have her \"celebrity\" status handed to her. Finally, she must be helping others. Sharing the blessings she has received with others.
[3] I believe that someone who fits the criteria quite well is Oprah Winfrey.
[4] Oprah Winfrey's life has had a very difficult and tumultuous beginning. She was born in 1954 to a poor, unmarried black girl living in the very racially segregated state of Mississippi. For a while, Oprah was raised by her grandmother, after her mother moved north. She eventually went to live with her father in Nashville, after having survived body abuse and the birth and death of a baby of her own.
[5] Oprah's rise to fame began in Baltimore, then Chicago, with her hosting morning talk shows, such as A. M. Chicago. She became so popular that in 1986, she launched The Oprah Winfrey Show. Oprah began her own production company, Harpo, and obtained control of The Oprah Winfrey Show, which was now in syndication.
[6] In 1994, Oprah did something that caught my attention and with which she gained my respect. She decided to break away from the mold of other daytime talk shows and pledged that her show would be free from \"tabloid topics\". Her viewers responded slowly, but very positively, and her popularity surged. The Oprah Winfrey Show was now centered on uplifting meaningful subjects, many of which are aimed towards women.
[7] Oprah has used her gaining popularity, in my opinion, to launch many meaningful projects. She launched Oprah's Book Club in 1996. The Book Club is an on-air reading club intended to get the country excited about literature again. To date, all the book club selections have become instant bestsellers. Oprah's Angel Network was started in 1997, encouraging people to open their hearts to those in need. This includes a project to collect small change to send students to college and to sponsor Habitat for Humanity programs.
[8] Oprah has been able to share her blessings with others while keeping her pledge to focus The Oprah Winfrey Show on subjects that will encourage her viewers. Each week her shows cover such topics as spirituality, wellness, fitness, relationships, steps towards financial freedom and more.
[9] Winfrey's talent for public performance and spontaneity in answering questions helped her win fame. Winfrey talk show has an estimated audience of 14 million daily in the U. S. and millions more in 132 other countries—predominantly women. She is also an accomplished actress and won an Academy Award nomination for her role in The Color Purple.
[10] Another reason that I admire Oprah is because she genuinely seems to be \"just a regular gal\". Her book, Make the Connection, shows how Oprah is like any other woman. The painful revelations she shares about her struggle with weight loss really touched me. Even as she was given an Emmy Award, her thoughts were on how heavy she must look in the dress she was wearing. Once, I went to a lecture given by one of Oprah's favorite authors. As we were sitting before the lecture began, a couple of black women walked in. My friend said, \"Oh look, there's Oprah,\" I said, \"no it's not\as it turns out, it was Oprah. She looked just like the rest of us; she did not come in amongst media frenzy as might be expected. When the speaker introduced her, she was almost embarrassed to stand.
[11] I feel Oprah is a genuinely nice person, someone who would be a great girl friend. She has a head on her shoulders and knows where she is going. She has made a name for herself and is not embarrassed by her wealth and knows the importance of sharing the
blessings that have been bestowed upon her. (793 words)
Reading Comprehension
Answer the following questions or complete the following statements.
1. The author chooses Oprah Winfrey as her role model because _____.
A. she knows Oprah Winfrey personally
B. there are not many good models to choose from
C. Oprah Winfrey is a typical celebrity
D. she could look to Oprah Winfrey for inspiration
2. According to the author, celebrities should _____.
A. make their lives known by the public
B. do something beneficial to the society
C. not have their status handed to them
D. share their blessings with others
3. When Oprah Winfrey was young, she _____.
A. suffered a lot from racial segregations
B. was spoiled by her grandmother
C. had a turbulent life
D. was abused by her mother
4. The Oprah Winfrey Show is a TV program _____.
A. produced by Oprah herself
B. similar to other talk shows
C. with uncommon subjects
D. positively instructive
5 According to the text, in mid-1990s Americans _____.
A. didn’t enjoy reading very much
B. were crazy about bestsellers
C. didn't want to help those in need
D. didn't like the Oprah Winfrey Show very much
6. Oprah Winfrey is so popular mainly because _____.
A. she is an African-American woman hostess
B. she is an accomplished actress and an Academy Award winner
C. she is a famous singer and has won an Emmy Award
D. she performs well in public and answers questions directly
7. One reason that the author admires Oprah is that _____.
A. Oprah Winfrey is not pretentious
B. the author is a woman herself
C. Oprah Winfrey is different from others
D. the author admires all successful women
8. From her book Make the Connection we know that Oprah Winfrey _____.
A. was excited about winning Emmy Award
B. had been much heavier than she was
C. paid much attention to her appearance
D. is an extra ordinary person
9. Oprah Winfrey usually appears in public _____.
A. amongst her fans
B. with a great number of news reporters
C. in a low-keyed way
D. with a lot of body guards
10. It can be inferred from the passage that Oprah Winfrey _____.
A. is not popular among male audience
B. is not very wealthy
C. has achieved a success with her own efforts
D. will quit her job as a TV hostess soon
VOCABULARY ITEMS
1. ponder: v. to reflect or consider with thoroughness and care沉思，考虑
2. pledge: n. a solemn binding promise to do, give, or refrain from doing sth.保证
3. role model: a person that can serve as a perfect example or pattern, worthy to be followed人品楷模
4. gal: n. a girl女孩
5. celebrity: n. a famous person名人
6. limelight: n. a lot of attention from the public聚光灯
7. notoriety: the state of being widely and unfavorably known臭名昭著
8. tumultuous: adj. disorderly; noisy纷乱
9. segregate: v. to separate or (be) set apart, esp. from the rest of a social group隔离
10.syndication: n. combination of a group of businesses or people for a particular purpose, esp. making money企业联合
11.tabloid: n. a newspaper with about half the size of an ordinary newspaper and usually containing a limited amount of serious news通俗小报
12. surge: v. to move, esp. forward, in or like powerful waves急升，猛增
13. uplifting: adj. encouraging cheerful or holy feelings振奋人心的
14. spontaneity: n. the quality to produce natural feelings or causes without outside force, esp. quickly, openly or directly (as if ) unplanned 自发，坦率
15. predominantly: adv. mostly; mainly主要地
16. nomination: n. suggesting or naming sb. officially for election to a position, office, honor, etc. 提名
17. revelation: n. the making known揭露，透露
18. frenzy: n. a state of wild uncontrolled feeling, expressed with great force疯狂，狂乱
19. bestow: v. to give 给予， 赐予
课文参考译文
第八课A 音乐的功效
塞缪尔· L · 贝克尔
[l］你很清楚书籍、报纸、杂志、电影、电台、电视所具有的劝导功能：通过它们可以出售啤酒、肥皂，也可以推销观念和政治候选人；还可以引发社会变革或平息一场革命。然而我们中间很少有人想到音乐或唱片也可用来发挥这些功能。事实上音乐确实做到了这点，而且长期以来一直如此。
[2］每场战争都有自己的歌曲来唤起人们的爱国热情或者在越南战争之类的情况中鼓励人们反战。第二次世界大战期间流行于全国的歌曲显示了整个唱片业动员起来为战争服务的力度：《牢记珍珠港》 、《 狠揍肮脏的小日本》 、《 星条旗永远飘扬》 、《 今天你买战争债券了吗》 、《 绕着希特勒的坟墓》 。
[3] 20 世纪60 年代和70 年代早期反对越战的抗议活动产生了另一类歌曲。有一司面首歌叫做《 大泥潭》 ，歌词大意是：一队士兵盲目跟随指挥官走进一条河，许多人淹死在那条河里。歌手和听众都明白大泥潭代表越南战争，指挥官指的是林登· 约翰逊总统。这些歌曲使反战情绪进一步加强。《 那些花到哪里去了》 、《 变化的时代》 、《 给和平一个机会》 都是广为流传的反战歌曲。
[4］音乐不仅给我们头脑中的战争概念加入了劝导的内容，它在和平时期也发挥了重要作用。《 我们必将得胜》在民权运动中起到了非常重要的作用，其地位与琼· 贝兹、皮特· 西格、伍迪· 格思里在和平运动中演唱的歌曲同样重要。近年来，音乐被用来为各种公益事业筹款，同时也提高了大众的慈善意识。“救助生命义演”、“救助农业义演”、“乐队义演”、美国为救助非洲灾民举办的音乐会、发行的演唱会录音都是为了给非洲饥民和美洲贫困农民筹款。
[5］回顾我国历史，我们发现激进左派借用了许多古老的黑人灵歌卓有成效地宣传了自己的主张。如《 我们决不动摇》这首歌在20 世纪30 年代被激进的南方佃农同盟当作自己的正式会歌。同样在20 世纪30 年代，《 给我旧时的宗教》 被改编为《 给我新的共产主义精神》。对于许多想利用歌曲达到劝导目的的团体来说，为旧曲填上新词是他们最喜爱的做法。改词是把一首人们喜爱或者对他们具有特殊意义或感情色彩的歌曲填上新词，希望把这种喜爱、意义或感情色彩带到正在传播的新观念
中。通常这种方法很奏效。
审查制度的威肋、
[6］在美国，音乐用作政治目的从未引起很大的争议。间或有人要求禁播某些反战歌曲或激进的左翼歌曲，但这方面的压力既不强烈也不能持久。在过去二三十年里，引起很大争议、招致很大压力的是一些流行歌曲的歌词。许多批评者指责这些歌曲鼓励性乱交和吸毒。不管这些批评是否正确，某些摇滚歌星台上台下的穿着打扮和哗众取宠的举止强化了人们的这种认识。结果一些社团和全国性团体向电台或电视台施加压力让他们禁播这些歌曲和这些演员的节目。这些指控也促使负责广播业的监管机构联邦通讯委员会开始进行调查。联邦通讯委员会的立场是：电台或电视台的所有者负有公共服务责任，他们需选择和拒绝将要播放的音乐，如同他们选择和拒绝电台播放的其他节目内容一样。而许多电台并不支持这一立场。联邦通讯委员会要求电台对其播放的节目内容一律审查，不管是说的还是唱的。从一般意义上来讲，这个立场是合理的，而且根据现行的法律，联邦通讯委员会也只能采取这个立场。不过，如何解释这项法令成了一个问题。这是否意味着在广播电台或电视台播放的歌曲中不允许出现那些在新闻或体育节目中禁止出现的语言和观念？或者这是否意味着电台或电视台应该承认不同的交流或娱乐形式，或是为不同听众设计的节目，在语言和观念上应该具有不同的标准？这个问题还远未得到解决。
[7］由于要求禁播含性暗示和鼓励吸毒的歌曲的努力没有取得成效，近年来一些家长组织试图强迫唱片公司把歌曲分级标示，就像电影分级一样。他们设想分级制度能提供给家长一些信息，使他们知道哪些音乐他们的孩子不适于听。这个活动中最主要的一个团体是设在华盛顿的“家长音乐信息中心”。它的领导是影响力很大的议员司办及其他政府官员的妻子们，因此音乐界的大人物很重视它。不过音乐界许多人担心的是分级制一旦实施，其他形式的控制或审查制度可能会接踵而来。
音乐对感知力的影响
[8］无论音乐对我们的态度和行为产生什么样的直接影响，可以肯定的是它在我们的交流环境中是时刻存在的，并发挥着重要作用。音乐还能使我们联想真实世界。听过上世纪80 年代流行歌曲的人都有这样的感觉：毒品在当时许多人的生活中占据主要地位。70 年代早期的流行音乐内容主要涉及反对越南战争。这些信息通过我们周围的背景音乐渗入到我们的意识当中，成为我们交流多元化的一个重要组成部分，如同今天我们听到的音乐传达的信息所起的作用一样。
音乐在身份识别和青春期反叛中的作用
[9]流行音乐还有另外两个主要功效。它为每一代青年人提供了平凡而珍贵的体验。多年以后，熟悉的音乐能使陌生人团聚在一起，激起对往日的美好回忆。格雷斯兰是猫王在孟菲斯的故居，后成为他的墓地。通过观察到格雷斯兰参观的游客即可生动地证明这种体验的意义。那里常见的情形是一对中年夫妻带着孩子参观。他们想让孩子看到，或希望他们感受到当年他们恋爱结婚时普雷斯利营造的特殊魔力。
[10]流行音乐的另一主要功效是为年轻人的反叛提供了相对无害的资源。每一代年轻人都有属于自己的音乐，几乎无一例外，这种音乐不为他们的父母欣赏。同样，他们父母喜爱的音乐也不为其父辈欣赏。这类音乐对年轻人来讲是很重要的，部分原因是年长者不喜欢；部分原因是表明自己喜欢这种音乐是与同龄人交流的一种仪式。
[11］一位作者指出，流行音乐也成了女孩子们成熟的标志。在同龄男孩成长为像女孩那样成熟并能较容易地与女孩建立朋友关系之前，少年偶像歌星可能会成为男友的替身而又不会对他们构成威胁。
第八课B 谁是我的楷模？
莫林· 奥基夫
[l］谁是我的楷模？就在我苦思苦冥时，我突然领悟到身边的许多人都可以成为我的榜样，但我的读者多半并不认识我的朋友或嫂嫂或同事。所以我应该写一个名人。然而，当今并无多少优秀人物可供选择，至少不是我们通常认为的那种“典型”。我知道名人的私生活理应如此，但作为一个共众人物，他应该利用自己的名声多做善事。
[2]我的楷模必须满足这样一些标准：第一，她必须与我年龄相近。第二，她必须战胜了很多困难才取得了成功，更确切地说，她的名声不是唾手而得的，而是通过自己的努力争取到的。第三，她必须乐于助人，与他人分享自己的福泽。
[3］我相信符合上述条件的人就是奥普拉· 温弗里。
[4］奥普拉· 温弗里儿时家境贫寒。她1954 年出生于种族隔离情况严重的密西西比州，母亲是个未婚的黑人穷女孩。有一段时间，奥普拉的母亲去了北方，她只好由外姐乡祖母照看。在经历了被强暴、生育孩子、孩子天折后，她搬到纳什维尔与父亲一起生活。
[5]奥普拉在巴尔的摩名声初起，后移居芝加哥，因主持早间访谈节目《 芝加哥早晨》 而闻名。1986 年因她的节目极受欢迎而更名为《 奥普拉· 温弗里秀》 。奥普拉后来成立了自己的哈泼制作公司，拥有并控制了《 奥普拉· 温弗里秀》 ，并使其成为企业辛迪加。
[6] 1994 年奥普拉决定脱离其他日间访谈节目的模式，并保证她的节目中不会有“通俗小报式的主题”，这使我关注她、尊敬她。观众对此反应缓慢，但都持肯定的态度，她的知名度飘升。《奥普拉· 温弗里秀》 中的主题积极向上，其中许多是针对女性设计的。
[7]我认为，奥普拉利用她的名望开展了许多有意义的事业。1996 年她开办了奥普拉读书俱乐部。这个电视读书俱乐部旨在“让美国人重新开始读书”，再度唤起全民对文学的热情。迄今为止，俱乐部
挑选的书目都成为当时的畅销书。奥普拉天使网站开办于1997 年，目的是鼓励人们同情和帮助那些需要帮助的人。其中的一个项目是收集零钱资助学生上大学和资助慈善计划“生境”。
[8]奥普拉与他人分享自己幸福的同时遵守自己的诺言，将《 奥普拉· 温弗里秀》 的主题始终锁定在努力激励她的观众上。每周她的话题都包含这样一些内容：精神、身心健康、健康、人际关系、如何得到财务自由等等。
[9]温弗里具备的表现天才和回答提问时的坦诚态度使她赢得了声望。每天收看《 奥普拉· 温弗里秀》的美国人大约有1 400 万，还有全球132 个其他国家的数百万观众（绝大多数是妇女）。同时她还是个出色的演员，在电影《紫色》 中扮演的角色赢得了奥斯卡最佳女配角提名。
[10]我敬佩奥普拉的另一个原因是她像一个“普通的女孩”。从她写的《 沟通》 一书中可以看出她与其他女人没有什么不同。书中描写的减肥的痛苦经历打动了我。甚至当她领艾美电视金像奖时，她的心思也全在“我穿这件衣服多显胖啊”。一次我去听一个演讲，由奥普拉最喜爱的作家主讲。我们坐在那儿等讲演开始时几个黑人妇女走了进来。我朋友说，“看，那是奥普拉。”我说，“不，不是。”“是，就是她。”我们你来我往地争论起来。后来证明那的确是奥普拉。她看上去和我们一样，进门时也没有人们想象的媒体相随造成的乱哄哄的场面。主持人介绍到她时，她站起身时还有些窘迫。
[11]我认为奥普拉确是一个可爱的人，是一个了不起的女朋友。她头脑清楚，知道自己的目标。她功成名就，却并不因自己的财富感到不安，而且她明白乐善好施的重要性。
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