Gil Scott Heron wrote and performed this in the mid seventies at a time before the internet, youtube consumer video and participatory culture existed. We had an interpretive discussion that began with this question: What does Heron mean when he says the revolution will not be televised and would he say the same thing today as he did in the 1970s? This is a genuine question that concerned the entire group but contained ambiguity. There are possible differences in interpretation depending on what each student brings to the discussion based on their own perceptions and experiences.

Our rules for discussion:

1) You must cite the line of the text to back up your opinions and arguments.
2) Everyone must contribute, no one should monopolize.
3) Must be an active and deep listener.

Some of the clarifying subquestions we discussed.

What was happening in the 1970s - what was the political context of the times?
Who is Heron referencing and why?
What does Heron mean by revolution?
Is Heron saying that the revolution will not be televised because TV would censor it? What does he mean when he says the revolution will not be televised?
What is Heron saying about the act of watching television in the first stanza?