"You've Got To Be Carefully Taught" is a song written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II for the musical "South Pacific." James Taylor covered this song as part of his album "Covers" released in 2008. The song emphasizes the idea that prejudice and hatred are not inherent traits but are learned behaviors. It speaks to the idea that discrimination and bigotry are passed down from one generation to another through societal influences and upbringing. The lyrics discuss how children are taught to hate and fear by their families, communities, and society at large. The first verse suggests that hatred and fear need to be ingrained in a person's mind from a young age. This is accomplished through constant repetition and reinforcement, symbolized by the line "It's got to be drummed in your dear little ear." The song implies that these learned prejudices have a lasting impact on an individual's mindset. The second verse focuses on the specific targets of bigotry, such as people with different eye shapes or skin colors. It highlights how individuals are taught to fear and view these differences as threats. The lyrics emphasize the absurdity of prejudiced beliefs by drawing attention to the fact that these differences are minor and should not be a basis for discrimination. The final verse stresses the urgency of addressing prejudice before it becomes deeply ingrained. It highlights the importance of educating children about tolerance and acceptance at an early age. The line "To hate all the people your relatives hate" suggests that discrimination is often perpetuated within families, emphasizing the need to break this cycle through careful teaching. Overall, "You've Got To Be Carefully Taught" presents a powerful message about the role of societal influence in shaping attitudes and the importance of actively combating prejudice through education and understanding.
