Talk about Green Day and the world

Have your pupils listen to the podcast "Green Day won't stop singing". In this podcast, Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong talks about how he views the world and a bit about the problems of religion and politics in America. It's a slightly more serious discussion than you might normally find in our podcast music episodes. But it could also be a good basis for a classroom discussion, especially with older pupils.

1. The band Green Day are known for not only singing songs about problems the world faces – they speak out in interviews and aren't afraid to say what they think. Can your pupils name other celebrities who do this too (for example, Bono, from the Irish band U2 and Angelina Jolie)? Some people criticize artists and celebrities who speak out on issues that don't have anything to do art or entertainment. What do your pupils think? Should celebrities use their fame to voice their opinions and direct attention to certain issues?
2. Billie Joe says that his songs can paint an ugly picture (2:23), but what does he think is optimistic about that? Do your pupils agree with Billie Joe? Why or why not?
3. Billie Joe is concerned about the role religion plays in American culture and politics. What does it mean that religion and the government are separate? How is the US different from Germany and other European countries in this regard? What role do your pupils think religion should play in government or politics?