Tracy Chapman became one of the biggest musicians in the world thanks to two critical 80s concepts—affirmative action and the diasporic mindset. Because of the diasporic mindset, many Americans thought of Africa as part of their world, as if Africa’s problems are our own, and we are not truly free until South Africans suffering under Apartheid are free. And affirmative action did nothing less than change Chapman’s life. We’ll explore how those ideas  helped Chapman and how they relate to "Fast Car." We’ll also look at what Chapman’s life might have been like if she’d never been helped by affirmative action. Guests: Jelani Cobb, Dean, Columbia Journalism School Credits:  Tracy Chapman - Fast Car Label: Elektra Writer: Tracy Chapman  Publisher: PURPLE RABBIT MUSIC Tracy Chapman - Fast Car (Live Version) Label: Elektra Writer: Tracy Chapman  Publisher: Purple Rabbit Music Elizabeth Cotten - Freight Train Writer: Elizabeth Cotten, James Paul, William Frederick Label: Folkways Records FG 3526 Publisher: Figs D Music Elizabeth Cotten - Goin Down the Road Feelin Bad Writer: Elizabeth Cotten Label: Folkways Records FG 3526 Publisher: Folkways Records FG 3526 Tracy Chapman | Rare Interview, Planet Rock Profiles Tracy Chapman 1996, Charlie Rose Tracy Chapman Talks Bob Dylan, Tracy Chapman Online Elizabeth Cotten, Series Down Home Elizabeth Cotten, Rainbow Quest TV I Am Somebody, Jesse Jackson LP, Respect Records (1971) Living History presents Jesse Jackson, Rutherford Living History See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.