## Part 1 and 2

In parts 1 and 2, we're going to watch the visual album Forbidden by Todrick Hall. In his work, Todrick uses different storytelling techniques and supporting songs to talk about societal issues, stereotyping, prejudice and different perspectives that relate to his life as a black, gay man in the entertainment industry in the United States. At the bottom of the page, you can find the Goals we're working on today.

Trigger warning concerning the video: hate speech and bullying, murder (by hanging).

In class, we're going to watch the video in roughly 2 parts. There are questions that will have to be answered during and after watching. The goal of this watching and listening exercise on one hand is to practice your English skills. On the other hand, we hope to have an open and safe discussion relating to the topics in the video.

Questions during watching. Copy and paste these questions.

1. What do you think the main character (Nolon Renner) is getting arrested for at the beginning of the film?

2. What do we learn about Nolon when/after we see the ladies in white dancing?

3. During the national anthem scene, name 3 examples of ways in which they visually switch perspectives (reality to storytelling) on screen.

4. What are the three commandments in the church song?

5. What kind of stereotypes are forced on young Nolon during his youth? Write down specific examples.

6. What is the neighbour trying to achieve by befriending Nolon?

7. What is the crowd's reaction to the white girl singing her solo in the theatre?

8. In one scene, you will see a ‘Novyart’ street sign pop up. From that moment, take notes and describe the scene and the song while watching.

9. What does the idiomatic expression ‘born with a silver spoon’ mean?

10. What is Nolon’s trouble with dating men?

From 38:15 min, you can skip the songs called ‘Thug’, ‘B’ and ‘Dem Beats’ due to the explicit nature of the songs and visuals. Resume at 48 min to answer the following questions.

11. At what point does it become clear that heterosexuality is a problem in this universe?

12. What purpose does the industrial hall (the Forbidden Place) serve?

13. Now that Nolon’s arrest is fleshed out more, react to your own answer to question 1.

14. What do the signs of protesters say? What is the issue they’re protesting?

15. What is the verdict of the court concerning heterosexuality in the end?

After watching, answer the following questions in written form. Your answers will be discussed during the next lesson.

1. Looking back, what is the title about? Explain your answer.

2. What perspectives are shown during the storytelling?

3. What is the effect of switching storytelling perspectives (i.e. homo-normative instead of the hetero-normative world) on the viewer?

4. Looking back at question 5: what stereotypes are put on children now? What messages have you been taught from a young age? Is there a difference between boys and girls?

5. Looking back at question 8: look up information on the following references from the video. What is ‘Novyart’ (the street name) spelt backwards referring to? What is the significance of this scene and the real-life event it’s inspired by? What were the real-life concrete consequences of this event in the US?

6. What is ‘doll hairs’ an example of? What is this phenomenon called in language?

7. Homework assignment: write a short essay in which you discuss the differences and similarities between you and the characters in the Forbidden video. You can choose to focus on one person or talk about the video as a whole. Take into consideration what is deemed normal/not normal, what beliefs you grew up with and what beliefs you have at the moment. Think of elements like race, religion, sexuality, gender expression and so on if you feel stuck on what to write. The essay should be about 250-400 words in length.

Goals Watching and Listening: 1) Ik begrijp wat mij verteld wordt, wat iemand ergens van vindt. 2) Ik begrijp de hoofdpunten van een discussie, een gesprek over muziek, acitiviteit, onveiligheid op straat, milieu. 3) Ik volg de presentatie van een klasgenoot. 4) Ik begrijp instructies van mijn docent. 5) Ik begrijp films over vertrouwde onderwerpen, documentaires en hoofdpunten.

Goals Writing: 1) Ik noteer de belangrijkste punten van een artikel. 2) Ik schrijf een kort verslag over iets wat ik gedaan en gezien heb. 3) Ik reageer op een verhaal van anderen. 4) Ik geef mijn mening. 5) Ik schrijf over een ervaring, persoonlijke reactie op een film/boek of een zelfverzonnen verhaal.

This project was made by Dženana Camić MEd, from De Nieuwste School, Tilburg, the Netherlands.