#7 Who? Historical and Political Context.

The poems for this week were fascinating, I always find the book of Poetry and Protest to be filled with such captivating experiences that make me want more from each of the poets. Also I think that the imagery per poem helps provide more context, the visual representation and the piece of history of each poet helps me in understanding where they have formulated their values and experiences when reading each of their pieces.

When looking at the who in a broader context I found myself asking what who, "who" is so singular, but yet who can also be plural in a sense of identifying causation within problems. With each poem that pertained to the rough experience of what it means to be black inside the United States I couldn't help but to think of the "Who" as the "white body" this identity that has institutionalized hate since the very beginning of time. Who has been a representation, a culprit of many of the underlying issues within America and the relationship people have with race.

The who in broader context however does not diminish within the idea of whiteness but it has been systematically institutionalized within our own society and understanding of life. Whiteness is the underlying piece of the puzzle however we have formed and maintained these institutions that were created with the idea of race superiority while maintaining people of color oppressed in various settings such as education, employment and incarceration.

This idea of who, who is the one enforcing and maintaining these institutions, and who is forced to be silent, to wait, to tolerate, to maintain victimized to a system that is meant for them, for us to fail. At the end who can be you, can be me and can be the oppressor or the oppressed, because we all play a role in racial dynamics within the United States.

One of the many poems that I enjoyed was "We Are Not Responsible" written by Harryette Mullen who is an amazing poet that captivated a message which is many times reflected within politics. Specifically when associating people of color receiving a type of aid, referring to the idea of people needing hand outs. Although many people of color have historically and continuously been disenfranchised, aid is only acceptable and not frowned upon if your skin is white! The title and the message of this poem to me was clearly a disassociation of the white person, finding no wrong-doing in their actions, and being absolved of everything, While handing people of color the responsibility of fixing racial tension, mistreatment, and cop abuse all while trying to stay safe and alive.