Imagine that! A 2024 movie release named a complete unknown, starring Bob Dylan, as the prototypical, post-modern artist, appearing in the world at the moment when notions of an objective truth and artistic dogma were being blown to smithereens.

The cast also included Joan Baez and Pete Seeger, two American folk singers, songwriters, musicians and social activists. Seeger’s music style helped lure Bob Dylan, to be a major figure in popular culture. A Pete Seeger 1963 song, “What did you learn in school today?”

“What did you learn in school today, Dear little boy of mine?

What did you learn in school today, Dear little boy of mine?

I learned that Washington never told a lie. I learned that soldiers seldom die.

I learned that everybody’s free, And that’s what the teacher said to me.

That’s what I learned in school today. That’s what I learned in school.

What did you learn in school today, Dear little boy of mine?

What did you learn in school today, Dear little boy of mine?

I learned that policemen are my friends. I learned that justice never ends.

I learned that murderers die for their crimes, Even if we make a mistake sometimes.

And that’s what I learned in school today. That’s what I learned in school.

What did you learn in school today, Dear little boy of mine?

What did you learn in school today, Dear little boy of mine?

I learned our country must be strong. It’s always right and never wrong.

Our leaders are the finest men, And we elect them again and again.

And that’s what I learned in school today.”

We wish we knew then, what we know now.

PAUL LAWSON

McDonald