The Rolling Stones are risque, unconventional, and even sometimes downright inappropriate. They heavily used drugs, had wild sexual relations with women, and were symbolic of a growing counterculture during the 1960s; which is exactly why they should be taught in the classroom.
A literature class is designed to illustrate the themes, attitudes, and culture of certain eras and areas, and relate this to the world today. The typical literature class is conventional, using mainly only books. However, music is perhaps the most raw and true way to study a time era, and should be demanded in the classroom.
Music, like a book, tells a story. Its lyrics must be inspired by events, and reflect emotion. Unlike books, however, Rock and Roll is not edited, or refined to what will be accepted by society. Rock and Roll is a rebellious form of free flowing art, and so accurately depicts the attitudes and major components of time periods, namely the sixties.
The Rolling Stones are one of the most famous bands to emerge from the 1960s. In their 1969 album "Let It Bleed," the Stones' discuss everything from the war in Vietnam and drug trips, to love and community. By studying the music of the Stones', students can better understand the growing generation gap between children and their parents, the attraction of rebellion, and the changing standards of society. The heavy guitar and distinctive lyrics transport listeners back to the 1960s, erasing any boundary that could exist while reading a book.
Listening to, and analyzing music, from the 1960s is one of the best and only ways to teach a course centering on the turbulent era. Students must be exposed to the truth and openness present in the decade, and not limited to conventionally approved books on the topic. For this reason, bands like The Rolling Stones, along with documentaries, memoirs, other music, art, fashion, and literature should be compounded to create a course that helps produce as complete of a picture as possible of the 1960s.
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