My favorite poem that I found in the readings of last week was entitled, "America." I absolutely loved this poem. This is in regards to not only the content and message, but also of the fast, upbeat, song-like delivery of the poem. The poem is broken down into short phrases that can be read either slow or fast. I prefer to read it fast. It reminds me of rap lyrics with a story line.
It talks about the children of the low cast being outcasts. It than goes on to talk about America seeking a better way (Stars). A vision of this new society is evident; being born out of the turmoil of the past. We come together through these hardships and enter a society of equality.
It than talks about different people who made this possible. Those bieng Crispus Attucks, Jimmy Jones, and Sojourner Truth. It than goes on to talk about the reality of the situation and how this dream is mearly a dream. That person who is talking is seeking this equality that has not been reached.
7 comments:
Shawn, I think you are right. If you read this poem fast it is almost like rap lyrics. It's ironic that sometimes rappers use their past to sell a hit record. Hughes used the past of his people to sell his literature. Funny they are still writing and talking about the ghetto.
I think that his point of the poem is equality in everybody. That the past helps mold the future and if you do not know the past that history is going to repeat itself.
This poem for the first time that I have read also incorporates everybody and not just the African American race. It is also about other minorities.
I agree this poem shows that everybody in America is looking to the “stars” for one reason or another. If we don’t know the past then we cannot move forward nor can we learn from what we don’t know. Not only the past of America but also the past in relation to families, race, societies, classes, etc. Without knowledge we cannot grow and without growth we will never reach the stars.
I didn't think of it like rap like rap lyrics, but no that I do I have to agree with you guys. Not to sound stupid here, because I know nothing of rap music, but wasn't there a NAZ song that refference the pyramids and loss of Black history?
America was one of my favorite poems as well. Hughes’ message in this poem is one of inspiration. When reading this poem, I really got the feeling that Hughes believed that everyone in the United States could be equal. He highlighted the struggles and desires of all people in America regardless of their race. Hughes portrays America as being a place that is meant for equality and brotherhood.
I also picked up on the beat of this poem as well. I find that Hughes poems combine expressive art forms together to create his point.
I thought America was hard to read. I felt htis way because it is very disheatening that not everyone gets to partake or experience the real dream. Although the American dream is somewhat of a myth most people find some way to take part in the experience.
I liked the poem "america" too because it had upbeat and fast tempo. I didnt think about this poem as compared to rap lyrics before you said it but i can see how you thought this. I also liked this poem becuase it talks about other minorities not just African Americans.
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