You've Got To Be Carefully Taught

Asia Society, dedicated to building greater understanding and connections between peoples and cultures around the world, stands in solidarity with all people around the world who are threatened by racism and violence. We are committed to dialogue that fosters greater cross-cultural understanding, empathy, and healing in the hope of a more equitable and just society. 

At our Thanksgiving Virtual Gala, in celebration of our 30th anniversary, we premiere You've Got to Be Carefully Taught, enabled with special permission by The Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization. The original song was featured in the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1949 Broadway musical South Pacific. We are grateful to David Henry Hwang, Ted Chapin, Ken Smith, Joanna Lee, and participating artists and creative talent for their support.

Composer: Richard Rodgers
Original Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II
Revised Lyrics: Asia Society Hong Kong Center
Production: Flower Music Company 
Producer: Ng Cheuk-Yin
Arranger and Audio Editing: Ivy Hung
Mixing and Mastering: Thomas Lo
Video Production: Ziv Chun

Singers (in order of appearance): Ivana Wong, Jose Llana, Crisel Consunji, Stafanie Quintin, Joanne Shao, Deborah Mannas, Raoul Chan, Vivian Ng, Vivian Yau, Amanda Li, Elizabeth Stewart, Nelly Tse Kessay Chan
 

On May 25, 2020, we witnessed the worst of humanity with George Floyd's death. At the one-year anniversary of his passing, we reworked You've Got to Be Carefully Taught from hit musical South Pacific, this time a more solemn black-and-white version, to encourage more compassion, love and care in the world.

Composer: Richard Rodgers
Original Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II
Revised Lyrics: Asia Society Hong Kong Center
Music Arrangement: CMYL
Video Production: Kessay Chan
Singers: Ivy Hung, Kessay Chan