“The Cult of Personality” by Living Colour 
                                               Advanced English 9 Writing Assignment (60 points) 
                                                                                       
                      
                     What is a “Cult of Personality”?  According to Dictionary.com, it is “a cult promoting 
                     adulation of a living national leader or public figure,” similar to “hero worship” that is 
                     generated by the media, especially by way of propaganda.  Joseph Stalin is one 
                     leader in particular that encouraged this type of adulation in order to extend his 
                     power, even though many believe he was the farthest one from a “hero.”  
                         
                     Watch the video of Living Colour’s 1988 song “The Cult of Personality”  and read the 
                     corresponding lyrics. (Even though you were not born when this song was written, you 
                     may recognize it from Guitar Hero.)  It is a song that contains many historical 
                     political references, especially regarding corruption of leaders in control.  It “paints 
                     a dark picture of politicians around the world.” 
                      
                     The Cult of Personality 
                      
                     (And during the few moments that we have left, we want to talk right down to 
                     earth in a language that everybody here can easily understand) 
                      
                     Look in my eyes, what do you see? The Cult of Personality 
                     I know your anger, I know your dreams 
                     I've been everything you want to be 
                     I'm the Cult of Personality, like Mussolini and Kennedy 
                     I'm the Cult of Personality, The Cult of Personality, The Cult of Personality 
                      
                     Neon lights, a Nobel Prize 
                     When a mirror speaks, the reflection lies 
                     You won't have to follow me, only you can set me free 
                      
                     I sell the things you need to be, I'm the smiling face on your TV 
                     I'm the Cult of Personality 
                     I exploit you, still you love me, I tell you one and one makes three 
                     I'm the Cult of Personality 
                      
                     Like Joseph Stalin and Gandhi 
                     I'm the Cult of Personality, The Cult of Personality, The Cult of Personality 
                      
                     Neon lights, a Nobel Prize 
       When a leader speaks, that leader dies 
       You won't have to follow me, Only you can set you free 
        
       You gave me fortune, you gave me fame 
       You gave me power in your God's name 
       I'm every person you need to be, I'm the cult of personality! 
        
       I'm the Cult of 
       I'm the Cult of 
       I'm the Cult of 
       Personality! 
        
       (Ask not what your country can do for you) 
        
       (The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!) 
        
       Now that you have heard the song, watched the video, and read the lyrics, what 
       do the words mean?  What message is Living Colour trying to impart? 
        
       Write a 2-3 page paper analyzing the lyrics.   
         ● Make sure to clearly identify your purpose of your writing in your thesis (but 
          don’t just say “In this paper I am going to…”). 
         ● Look at each stanza. Using specific lyrics from each stanza, tell what you 
          think the writers are saying.  In other words, what message are they trying 
          to impart with these words? 
         ● Then apply these song lyrics and messages to Joseph Stalin / Napoleon in 
          George Orwell’s Animal Farm. How are they true of Joesph Stalin / 
          Napoleon? 
         ● Blend in lyrics / quotes often, and make sure you justify them, or tell their 
          importance 
         ● Use transitional words and phrases to connect ideas, but cut unnecessary 
          words / sentences.  Be concise!   
         ● Make sure to avoid second person (no you’s or yours) 
         ● Make sure to check verb tense (keep it in present tense unless you are 
          referring to an event of the past) 
         ● Make sure to use a variety of sentence structures (start sentences with -ing 
          participial phrases, use appositive phrases, begin with adverb clauses, etc.) 
          See that sheet with the types of phrases and clauses to remind you how to 
          write them) 
         ● Submit your writing to me via Google Docs.  Due Date:  
          _______________________________________________ 
        
       You will be graded in the following manner, using the Keystone rubrics: 
         ● Focus- 8 points 
         ● Content- 16 points 
         ● Organization- 8 points 
         ● Style- 12 points 
         ● Conventions- 16 points