My daughter (15) is looking for a poem that she can discuss, that deals with racial prejudice.
Yes, this is help with homework, but not mine, and she is only looking for a starting point; the rest of the homework will be hers.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
I’d say the song “You’ve Got To Be Carefully Taught” , from the musical South Pacific would be one of the best. You don’t have to sing it, you can just read the words.
Does metaphorical work? :dubious:
Ain’t it the truth. Thanks.
Thanks. I’ll see what she thinks. I don’t know if 15 year olds are good with metaphors. Mine might surprise me though.
“Gunga Din”?
Yeah, a bit much for a 15 year old I think, at least my 15 year old. Thanks though.
Keep 'em coming.
Not poems, but songs:
Janis Ian, “Society’s Child” Janis Ian - Society's Child - YouTube
Chad Mitchell Trio, “Which Hat Shall I Wear” (lyrics only) http://lyrics.wikia.com/Chad_Mitchell_Trio:Which_Hat_Shall_I_Wear
So I guess “The White Man’s Burden” is out of the question.
Yeah. Too much for a 15 year old methinks.
How about “I, Too, Sing America” by Langston Hughes.
*I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.
Tomorrow,
I’ll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody’ll dare
Say to me,
“Eat in the kitchen,”
Then.
Besides,
They’ll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed -
I, too, am America.*
Kipling’s too hard for a fifteen year old? Really? Kipling?
I guess this one is right out.
Although why a high schooler would have trouble with it escapes me(unless the “trouble” comes from those in authority, of course)
Langston Hughes’ A Dream Deferred.
Countee Cullen’s “Incident” is direct enough.
Theme For English B by Langston Hughes.
Possibly she’s never kippled before.
Heck, pretty much anything by Langston Hughes would fit the bill.