Blog #7: Who by Tien Dang

Prompt:  Consider who in a broader context and then look at the work - historically, politically.

In the passage about E. Ethelbert Miller, one thing that stuck to me most was  the opening lines:

"I define myself as a literary activist.  I don't separate my writing from the work I do everyday."  (130)

Every part of you makes up who you are, just as the work you do and the people you surround yourself with defines you.  As cliche as that sounds, it's something I firmly believe in.  People who take pictures with skinned animals and smoking say they don't promote smoking or endangering animals, unless it was a ironic photo to show or say something, I can't quite comprehend.  Similarly, the work you write and the work that you promote is what you are passionate about.

As Yusuf Komunyakaa says,

"Protest had grown into one, big, needful, and at times, brutal- work of art"  (114).

They say put your money where your mouth is, and for a poet/artist, they put their money where their work is.  They bare their heart and soul  to it.  Artists who write such moving works like the ones we've read in this class are impacted by the history and politics that surrounds them in one way or another - either directly where they faced the cruelties, or because they've heard or witnessed loved ones who have.  As a result, there's an open wound.  And to make something of that wound, they write/draw/express.  Whatever it is that comes.

Historically and politically, they've made meaning of the pain because there has to be something to come of these horrors and pains and disgustingness, right?

Komunkakaa continues on to say something that hit home for me:

Maybe we know language has also betrayed us, but I wish to write poems that say, No, we'll never let language subvert or diminish the content of our character

Language is the action because it carries out the words to make us feel something and maybe then, people, and we as individuals can do something.

Like in "The Great Wait" by Haki Madhubuti, there's a lot of waiting, liners and movers.  It's time that passes by that takes away so much if we constantly wait, follow into lines, and move along as we're told.  But the words mean something and that will carry us through - to read and write.  I'm inspired to write of stories untold and I feel like that makes meaning of the pain others have to dealt with.  That gives strength to those who have to carry on.

It's a sad world we live in these days because there's so much unkindness unfortunately.  I wish I could easily ask for help, or know that help is on the way.  But instead, I don't know.  I have to take certain precautions and watch those I surround myself with.  I have to remind myself of these stories and remind myself of what good can come from these works and what good I can do.

Sorry for such a downer post - it's been a rough week/day for the heart and soul.

Best,
Tien