This weeks theme is the idea of idealized history in schools. This video is from Brave New Voices, a program that I have described in a previous post. This poem specifically was performed in Cape Town in 2014. In this piece they speak about the idealized history of Africa that is taught and in books. I find this interesting because it talks about a lot of things that I would have never thought about had it not been for this poem. They talk about how in America the school systems teach so much about America but not so much about other places. In the school systems the children, no matter their background, are taught everything deemed relevant about America but nothing about their own histories, These three portray that idea by saying "we know everything there is to know about you, but what do you know about us?" I find that interesting because it is very true, we spend our lives learning about ourselves until we get the opportunity to chose otherwise which is ridiculous because we should more than just about America. A line that stuck with me from this poem in particular is when they said "tell me America, when did you last die for education?"
Saturday, November 7, 2015
My Piece on their Piece called "Education Meal Plan"
This weeks theme is the idea of idealized history in schools. This video is from Brave New Voices, a program that I have described in a previous post. This poem specifically was performed in Cape Town in 2014. In this piece they speak about the idealized history of Africa that is taught and in books. I find this interesting because it talks about a lot of things that I would have never thought about had it not been for this poem. They talk about how in America the school systems teach so much about America but not so much about other places. In the school systems the children, no matter their background, are taught everything deemed relevant about America but nothing about their own histories, These three portray that idea by saying "we know everything there is to know about you, but what do you know about us?" I find that interesting because it is very true, we spend our lives learning about ourselves until we get the opportunity to chose otherwise which is ridiculous because we should more than just about America. A line that stuck with me from this poem in particular is when they said "tell me America, when did you last die for education?"
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Powerful & true!
ReplyDeleteThis piece is so thought-provoking; I love spoken word because it opens a window into thought that I've never opened before. Next Thursday, the Slam Poetry Club is hosting their annual slam at the Alumni House (there are posters around campus). I've heard some of the poems that are going to be performed, and they're a lot like this one. You should check it out!
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