Protest Poetry; the Language of the Oppressed
When the people in power fuck with the rest of us, it is time to go to work. As we watched in horror how our American brothers and sisters were stripped of even more human rights, our Ukrainian families are still getting slaughtered by Putin and his cronies and UK newspapers were discussing whether childless women should be taxed to make them poop out babies, we remembered how poetry had kept us sane over the years. But more than that. Poetry has been the language of the oppressed for so long because like Audre Lorde said; poetry is a democratic art form. Lorde herself used poetry as a form of protest. We want to take some time to tell you all about this type of poetry, in the hope that, once you are ready, you will take your pain and turn it into poetry, and maybe spark a little bit of a revolution while you are at it.
Protest poetry is a form of poetry that uses language and verse to address social and political issues, express dissent, and call for change. It has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient civilizations and continuing to the present day. From William Shakespeare's plays to Maya Angelou's poetry, protest poetry has played a significant role in shaping cultural and political discourse.
Protest poetry can take many forms, from traditional sonnets and rhymed verse to more modern styles like slam poetry and spoken word. It can be angry and confrontational, or it can be more subtle and lyrical. What makes a poem protest poetry is not its form, but its message and its intent to raise awareness about an issue and inspire change.
Protest poetry can be a powerful tool for activism, as it allows artists to use their voices and creativity to speak out against injustice and oppression. It can also be a way for people to express their emotions and connect with others who share their concerns. In times of crisis and social upheaval, protest poetry can serve as a beacon of hope and a rallying cry for action.
Some notable examples of protest poetry include:
"A Change Is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke
"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot
"The Times They Are a-Changin'" by Bob Dylan
"Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou
"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot
If you're interested in writing protest poetry, here are a few tips to get started:
Choose a topic or issue that you're passionate about: Whether it's climate change, racial justice, or something else, it's important to choose a topic that you care deeply about. This will help you bring authenticity and conviction to your writing.
Research your topic: It's important to be informed about the issue you're writing about. This will help you craft a more nuanced and well-rounded poem.
Experiment with form and structure: While traditional poetic forms can be effective for protest poetry, you don't have to be constrained by them. Feel free to play with structure and form to find a style that works best for you.
Use imagery and figurative language: Poetry is all about using language in creative and evocative ways. Experiment with imagery and figurative language to bring your message to life.
Seek feedback: Once you've finished your poem, consider sharing it with someone you trust for feedback. This can help you see your work from a different perspective and identify areas for improvement.
Remember, protest poetry is about using your voice to speak out against injustice and inspire change. So don't be afraid to take a stand and use your poetry to make a difference.