"Dear Mr. President" by P!nk

One of my favorite songs by P!nk is "Dear Mr. President". It’s not just a beautiful and emotional song—it’s a powerful statement on social and political issues. I love using this song to talk about difficult topics like poverty, war, inequality, and human rights. Music has a unique ability to make us feel things that regular conversations sometimes can't, and this song is a perfect example of how an artist can use their platform to speak out on important issues.

Before I play the song, I ask my students to think about whether they’ve ever heard a song that made them stop and think about the world. Maybe it made them feel sad, angry, or inspired to take action. I explain that protest songs are designed to make us question, reflect, and sometimes even take action.

Today, we’re going to analyze "Dear Mr. President", looking at its lyrics, the emotions behind it, and the message P!nk is trying to convey. We’ll also discuss how music can be a tool for activism and change.

Let's get started!

• Warm-Up Discussion:

  Begin by asking students what they know about protest music. Have they heard any songs that comment on social or political issues?

  What is the role of music in social movements? How can a song influence public opinion?

  
  

  Introduce the Song:

  Provide a brief context of "Dear Mr. President"—explain that it was released in 2006 as a critique of President George W. Bush’s policies, especially regarding the Iraq War, healthcare, and human rights.

  Mention that P!nk uses this song as a way to address social injustices and question political leadership.

  
  

  Watch the Video:

  Show the music video for "Dear Mr. President."

  Instruct students to focus on the visual elements: what is happening in the video, how does it complement the song’s message, and what emotions do the visuals evoke?

  
  

  Discussion:

  What role do the images (e.g., scenes of protest, American flags, and people of different backgrounds) play in conveying the song’s message?

  How does P!nk use body language and facial expressions in the video to enhance the song's impact?

  What impact do the minimalistic visuals (e.g., P!nk sitting and singing directly to the camera) have on the tone of the song?

  
  

  Comparing Lyrics and Visuals:

  How do the visuals in the video emphasize the political and social concerns mentioned in the lyrics? Are there any moments where the video deepens your understanding of the song’s message?

  
  

  Class Discussion:

  How does music like "Dear Mr. President" serve as a form of activism? How can artists influence political change?

  Can music alone change public opinion or policy? Why or why not?

  Discuss whether songs like this still feel relevant today. Are the concerns P!nk raised in 2006 still present in today’s political climate?

Extension Activities:

1. Write a Letter:

   Ask students to write their own “open letter” to a political leader or public figure, addressing a social or political issue they care about. They should use some of the rhetorical techniques they analyzed in the song, such as direct questions, emotional appeals, and powerful language.

   
   

2. Research Project:

   Assign students to research another protest song from a different era (e.g., “Blowin' in the Wind” by Bob Dylan, “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye). They should prepare a short presentation comparing the themes and impact of both songs. Students should consider the political and social climate at the time each song was released and analyze how the songs continue to resonate today.