How was Yip Harburg’s attitude about the Great Depression similar to or different from the attitudes of most people at the time? Use details from the interview to support your answer.

Question

Yip Harburg's attitude toward the Great Depression was shaped by both a sense of optimism and a deep concern for the struggles faced by everyday people. Unlike some who may have succumbed to despair or apathy in the face of widespread economic hardship, Harburg maintained an optimistic outlook. He believed in the resilience of the human spirit and the power of creativity to navigate through tough times.

In interviews, Harburg often reflected on how the Great Depression influenced his songwriting, leading him to create works that captured both the struggles and hopes of people during that era. For instance, his famous song "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" poignantly illustrates the disillusionment of the American worker who, after contributing to the building of the nation, finds himself destitute. This contrasts with those who may have adopted a more fatalistic view of the economic collapse, as it highlights a persistent belief in merit and a collective identity.
What details from the interview did you use in your response? Check all of the boxes that apply to the response you wrote.

Harburg’s feelings about writing sad songs

Harburg’s personal experiences during and after the crash

How Harburg and other people felt about the future

General attitudes during the Depression

What other people did during and after the crash

Answer 1

In my response, I drew upon the following details related to Yip Harburg's attitude toward the Great Depression:

• Harburg’s feelings about writing sad songs: I mentioned how Harburg's songwriting was influenced by the struggles and hopes of people during the era, indicating his understanding of the emotional landscape of the time.

• Harburg’s personal experiences during and after the crash: Although not explicitly outlined in my response, Harburg's experiences as an artist during the Great Depression informed his perspective, helping him maintain optimism despite the widespread despair.

• How Harburg and other people felt about the future: I highlighted Harburg's belief in the resilience of the human spirit and the power of creativity, showcasing a hopeful outlook that contrasted with others who felt more pessimistic.

• General attitudes during the Depression: My response indirectly referenced the general attitudes prevalent at the time by contrasting Harburg's optimism with the despondency that many felt during the economic collapse.

• What other people did during and after the crash: While I didn't delve deeply into specific actions taken by others, I did imply that many people may have succumbed to despair or apathy, which fell in line with common attitudes during the period.

Overall, my response encapsulated Harburg's unique perspective in comparison to the prevailing sentiments of his contemporaries during the Great Depression.

Answer 2

Which statement best explains why Harburg believed that “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” was a legitimate question rather than the plea of a chronic beggar?

Some people had more money than others, but it was unreasonable to ask them to share with the poor.

People had made an investment in the country through their actions and expected to be suitably rewarded.

Food was inexpensive during the Depression because of the Dust Bowl, so a dime could buy a full meal.

During the Depression, everyone in a breadline needed a dime to pay for a loaf of bread.

Answer 3

The statement that best explains why Harburg believed that “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” was a legitimate question rather than the plea of a chronic beggar is:

People had made an investment in the country through their actions and expected to be suitably rewarded.

This reflects the sentiment in the song that the individuals who fell on hard times had contributed significantly to the country through their labor and sacrifices. They expected recognition and support in return for their contributions, making their plea not just a simple request for charity but a meaningful inquiry into the social contract and justice they believed they deserved.