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<aside> π‘ Key Points:
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<aside> βοΈ Notes:
Main lecture notes
Dominant themes; systemic oppression and discrimination, racial and national identities, the use of language and art as a tool of resistance, the long history of slavery and colonialism
1948 British nationality act (important)
Decolonization, on paper this happened but colonization still continues
SS wind rush, 250 Jamaicans. first wave of Caribbean immigrants
they tried to defend themselves along with British culture
self-assimilation
Jamaican wanted to be counted alongside the British
1940-1998 βWeedan 76β?
Racialy motivated attacks Notting Hill riots
The new Cross Massacere
Systemic opression is important term
Linton Kwesi Johnson
Radical ideas about race, gender through his liberal education
Black Panther movement is important
Caribbean Artist movement
He represents the opposition culture
Subversive, oppositional and resistant to the norms of traditional under English
Dub poetry is important
Dub lyricism* he coined the term
Reading the poem with a reggae song
He took initiation to make the life better for Black People
Language; non standard or Alienated English?
Jamaican Patois?
Hurricane does nor roar in pentameter?
Carol Ann Duffy, first woman queer poet Laureate. Re-writing of the myths. She was simplistic through language. Complex ideas and topics. she highly engaged in re-writing historical texts through the silencedβ pov. The Worldβs Wife 1995. Mrs. Lazarus. Is there any original Work? Grieved, past perfect, loyal wife.
I'm gonna show you how I see you, Mistah man."
β Speaker relates to how the white man perceives Black people β challenging and reversing the gaze.
"We still feel oppressed although we try to resist."
β Highlights that Black people have historically tried to resist oppression, but freedom was always out of reach.
β Addressing Mistah man suggests that change requires white people to act too.
"We need to work together."
β Speaker comes to a resolution: cooperation is necessary to improve the lives of Black people.
Contrast between Mistah man and the speaker:
β Mistah man still harbors anger about colonization.
β Historical knowledge comes with bitterness and hatred β a generational wound.
Symbolism:
β Mistah man is compared to cabbage β symbolizes obliviousness, ignorance.
β He doesn't understand the Black man's problems.
Invitation to allyship:
β Speaker invites the white man to help make things better β improvement requires white participation.
Concept of Freedom:
β "Freedom can't be understood as an ideology; it must be for everyone."
β Freedom requires positive contributions from all sides β not abstract ideals.
Black woman asserts identity:
β She rejects being named or labeled by others.
β "She's not Mulatto, she's British."
β She takes pride in being Black.
β "Personal being political."
Conversation as conflict:
β Takes the form of a conversation between a white woman and a Black woman.
β The white woman asks where the Black woman is βfromβ, implying sheβs not truly British.
Theme:
β The poem highlights racial microaggressions and defends Black British identity.
β Pride in identity is emphasized: the speaker is proud of being a Black woman and poet.
one & Theme:
Economic Critique:
Cultural & Social Critique:
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<aside> π Summary:
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