If things are going right during my school day, I like to play music during passing times between classes. It's so funny to see students walk in and either groan at my choice (an affirmation that they at least know what it is), dance in unknowing approval, or ask me in their best parental voice, "What kind of music are you listening to?"
Last week I played "Natural Mystic" by Bob Marley before a freshman class of mine. Admittedly, it was kind of an experiment, as at least 3 or 4 students in that class frequently wear Bob Marley shirts. Those students walked in and eventually figured it out, mostly because of which, sadly, the only reggae they know is Bob Marley. But one student didn't quite get it at first.
"Who is this?" she asked, as she entered the classroom.
"Robert. Nesta. Marley." I said, slowly.
"WHO?" she asked again.
"Robert. Nesta. Marley." I repeated.
"Oh," she concluded as she confusedly took her seat.
(10 seconds later, a student from across the room asks:) "HEY, is this Bob Marley?"
"Yup," I said.
"Hey, you said this was Robert...Sherman...something," said the first girl.
"Robert Nesta Marley is what I said," I said.
"Who is that?" she said.
"That is Bob. Robert. Robert Marley, Bob Marley," I explained.
I think the light bulb went on.
But anyway, the next time you see a teenager with a Bob Marley shirt, or a Grateful Dead shirt, or any shirt that would make you think they listen to a band from outside of their generation, don't be fooled.
