Reflection #9: Identity

When writing about identity, specific and general references, I wonder if there is truly is a distinction? What could look like a general reference to the reader could indicate something super specific that makes up the poet’s identity if that makes sense. Take Maqalih for example - the opening line in Ma’reb Speaks states “I’m from the land of the qat.” and while this may be imply a general place in Maqalih’s home country, I couldn’t help but wonder if the wording could allude to more about his identity. Like is qat, that particular area where is grows, could that reference infer a certain way of living only distinctive to the reader and those from that area?

I get that same feeling of how something looks to me as a reader could be different from how the poet intends in Break (rebirth). When I went over the first line “Jesus left at three thirty,” I assumed this was a general religious reference then I wondered if it was a person named Jesus and if I was posing my religious identity on the writer.  

Speaking of imposing identity, I first thought there was Islander dialect being used when I read “iced tea wa break me sick” but then Zeitoun is a book about Syrian-American owner of a painting company who became a hometown hero during Hurricane Katrina. Taqaism or Taqsim is Arabic/Greek Middle Eastern musical composition. These are specific references that let us know the identity of the speaker and gives me clues that although I may not fully understand the dialect being used, those sounds/words may mean something for the audience intended to hear that. This makes me think we have to be mindful of my literary narrative,to consider the identify of the poet and how my identify as the reader may misinterpret their work.  

Other thoughts on identity that may or may not be related: when thinking about Perdomo - Shit To Write About, I started picking up on Identity as our personality. Sometimes identity can be limited to gender, race, area we live in when there are other factors to it - what you like and dislikes that add to your identity. When reading this poem my mind went to Marvel Comics with the Kriptonite and Spy Girl notes. The use of Spanish signifies the race of the poet. There is significance in the capitalization of Monster let's me know that it may be drugs or a disease like HIV not a real monster. The next lines about crime/violence help me back this idea up

“I just lost my mother to the Monster and I’m waiting for a formula that I can drink to grow stronger. Our boys are getting blown off the corners like ghost town dirt. I keep running when the cages get closer, crying when no one is looking, feeling like everyday is gonna be the last time I see my son and then I start thinking, if I wanted to write a book how much you think my life would be worth?”