• Choose a form of popular media that you are passionate about. The media may be music, a book, or a movie. I advise you to choose a specific media. For example, rather than choosing film as a category, please select a specific film like "The Hurt Locker," for instance.

• Write a thesis sentence stating how and why it is more than just a piece of entertainment. The thesis must include why it is a legitimate form of popular culture. Keep in mind factors such as influence and controversy.
• Write a 250- to 350-word introductory paragraph that includes points that will be used in a paper to support your thesis statement. Clarification Note: You only have to write one paragraph for this assignment; that’s all. This paragraph should be an introductory paragraph, which includes the thesis.

In Times Like these is a song by Kid Rock, it is more than just a piece of entertainment, because he tells of the economic hard times, the beauty of Michigan and the tenacity of its people, it gives the people of Michigan a hope that he believes the state can once again be viable, and the rough times make the people of Michigan who they are.

Kid Rock is a famous Michigander; he loves Detroit, Michigan and the blue collar working man. His songs not only provide encouragement for the people of Michigan, but he tells others through his gift of song that the people of Michigan/Detroit are not as bad as some of the media has made us out to be. Kid Rock tells how beautiful the state is with its many lakes, rivers and forest. Michiganders maybe down on our luck, with high unemployment, and the misfortune of the auto industry but as Kid points out in his song In These Times, we have tenacity that will prevail and we will bring our state back to a viable contributing influence for the whole country. Kid Rock likens the concrete and steel of Detroit to the people who live there, that they are strong and can stand up to the winds of change. Kid Rock is a voice for Michigan, he tours all over and still stays loyal to Michigan, he always comes home and he sings songs about the state. Because he is such a huge star, people listen to him and respect some of his view points. Kid Rock is able to put his message out through song which gives some people another way to relate to what is going on in the world around them.

Have ou ben able to prove your thesis in your intro paragraph? Have you opened up any avenues of dialogue or argument? Can you see how you'll relate your conclusion to your introduction and do you have enough material between, with what you've written, to fill out a thesis paper? Your intro should introduce all the ideas you'll be speaking about and yes, you can change it now if you think you need to...just rgue your way through that, too. Good practice.

Thesis: Kid Rock's song "In Times Like These" is more than just a piece of entertainment because it addresses the economic hardships, celebrates the beauty of Michigan, highlights the resilience and tenacity of its people, and offers hope for the state's revival. Through his music, Kid Rock not only provides encouragement for the people of Michigan but also challenges the negative portrayals often seen in the media. By emphasizing the state's natural beauty, with its lakes, rivers, and forests, Kid Rock showcases the pride Michiganders have for their homeland, despite the challenges they face. He believes that the people of Michigan possess a unique strength and determination that will ultimately help them overcome adversity and rebuild their state's economy. As a well-known figure, Kid Rock's voice reaches a large audience, and his messages resonate with fans who can relate to his perspectives on social and economic issues. Through the medium of music, Kid Rock offers an alternative way for people to engage with and understand the world around them while providing a voice of hope and resilience for the people of Michigan.

Introductory paragraph (250-350 words):

Kid Rock, a renowned Michigander, goes beyond offering mere entertainment in his song "In Times Like These." With his deep-rooted love for Detroit, Michigan, and the blue-collar working class, Kid Rock's music serves as a source of solace and hope for the people of his home state. Beyond Michigan, his songs also challenge prevailing media narratives that often cast the state and its residents in a negative light. In "In Times Like These," Kid Rock not only acknowledges the economic hardships faced by his fellow Michiganders but also celebrates the state's natural beauty. From the abundance of lakes and rivers to the lush forests, the song conveys Kid Rock's admiration and pride for his homeland. The lyrics depict a Michigan that is not just defined by its difficulties but one that possesses an innate strength and determination. Kid Rock's lyrics compare the concrete and steel of Detroit to the resilience of the people who call it home, highlighting their ability to withstand the winds of change and adversity. By delivering his message through music, Kid Rock's voice reaches a diverse audience, allowing him to challenge misrepresentations of Michigan while offering a sense of unity and empowerment to his listeners. As an influential figure in popular culture, Kid Rock's songs serve as a platform for social commentary, addressing topics such as economic hardship, perseverance, and the potential for revival. In times when the media often focuses on the state's struggles, Kid Rock's music provides a different narrative, emphasizing not only the challenges but also the strength and potential for positive change within the state. Through his music, Kid Rock offers a tangible representation of popular culture that reflects and speaks to the experiences of those affected by economic and social challenges, ultimately providing a voice of hope and resilience.