Author's message

Janis Ian’s main message in “Society’s Child - My Autobiography” is that people need to stand up for their principles and the things they believe in, regardless of the adversities they face.

The extract from the story illustrates how, as a young artist, Janis Ian dared to sing about interracial relationships at a time when parts of American society strongly opposed them. However, her initial courage was put to the test as she began to receive threatening letters and when, during a concert, she was shouted at while on stage. The experience at the concert was important for Janis Ian, who despite her beliefs was momentarily overwhelmed by fear for her life. She was genuinely scared at the prospect that she might be the target of a violent attack from people that opposed interracial relationships and discriminated against African-Americans:...