This Land Is Your Land by Woodie Guthrie

1.) Is Guthrie's message individualist or collectivist? Explain.

Guthrie's message is individualistic, not only because he's talking about the U.S., an individualist society, but due to the lyrical content. He mentions that "nothing living can ever stop (him)", indicating that he is an individual that can do as he pleases. He works for his own desires. He also mentions a sign with 'Private Property' on one side and nothing on the other, and how this blank side was made for "you and me". The blank side represents how he is free to go where he pleases without any restrictions, indicating that he's free to do what he wants as an individual. He values individual rights. There is no mention of how the land is for 'us', which would lean towards being collectivist.

2.) Do you find this song to be pro-government or anti-government? Explain.

It appears to start off neutral, not really supporting or being against the government, simply celebrating the nation's beauty. Near the end, however, he mentions a sign banning trespassers and "his people" hungry and lining up for food. This is more negative than the cheery first few stanzas and appears to be anti-government. He is displeased that the government doesn't feed the people and doesn't grant them the total freedom to go where they want.