Instructions to students:

Choose one of the discussion questions to answer in your initial post, being sure to address all parts of the question. Respond to two other students in the class who chose different questions from the one that you chose, if possible.

Post your initial response to the discussion question no later than Thursday 11:59 PM EST/EDT.

Post your responses to at least two classmates no later than Sunday 11:59 PM EST/EDT.

1. Choose one of the following questions to address in your initial discussion post:

Discuss the role of sexuality in Madonnas music and performances. How does Madonna portray female sexuality, and why was her portrayal so controversial at the time?
Watch the following music videos: Thriller by Michael Jackson; Like a Prayer by Madonna; Jeremy by Pearl Jam; Terrible Lie by Nine Inch Nails
Who is the villain or enemy depicted in each song?
What do these songs communicate about society at the time they were popular?
Discuss the influence that Michael Jacksons music and performances had on the music industry in the 1980s. How did he set new standards for music, and blur more societal boundaries than almost any artist prior to the 80s?