@Atlus Avalon @Atlus Avalon ? I guess you misunderstood the poem. Patrica is talking about white man racist. She is just acting being him :) After all she is AfroAmerican (black) that is opressesed by racism
I think she is speaking out against racism, but in a way that is much more powerful because of the person she is portraying. She is speaking as a white skinhead, and the poem's vocabulary and emotion make the listener want to take action. However, I think the real point of the poem is not sympathy for the skinhead, but to think about the person who says those things, and how they got that way. She says "I'm your baby America...and I was born and raised right here." The poem, I believe, is meant to shine a light on how some people think but more importantly to ask how it is someone becomes that way because if they were born and raised right here then maybe the problem is all of ours.
I never thought I would love the way someone says the F bomb lol. She said it so.... beautifully and with a certain power that most don't. It's sharper and this poem was a perfect fit for such a sharp and powerful tone. snap snap snap.
She is NOT racist against traditional Skinheads which did start in the 1960s in London. She clearly puts emphasis on the fact that this is about Skinheads in America, which was based on racism when it was brought here. "I am you boy America." So it is not her who has the history wrong it is Americans. People are always trying to find something to say, this is ART. It should be treated like art, I love Patricia Smith, there's a reason she's an award winning writer and slam poet.
I agree with you, Shay Patrick. Like you, I don't know why the hell there are comments on here that suggest researching the word "skinhead." You are right, the term originally meant something different in the 1960's, then during the mid-1980's, and especially throughout the 90's, the word became heavily linked to racism. To those who feel the need to challenge Patricia's use of the term, I suggest giving thought to historical linguistics and respecting the fact that words take on new meanings throughout time. When I have tried explaining language to others in previous conversations, I use the word "villain" as another example since it is widely recognized. I first tell them that "villain" derives from the Latin "villānus," meaning "one attached to a villa or farmhouse," but was later adopted as "villein" to signify "someone whose job was related to agriculture," which finally led to mean "a person who causes trouble or damage to others." I then tell them, that like the term "villain," the meaning of "SKINHEAD" has been altered due to SOCIOCULTURAL influences, which are sometimes triggered by SUBCULTURES. I conclude by telling them that Language change is VERY COMMON and WILL CONTINUE (semantics). As for Patricia Smith's poem, I completely agree with you Shay. She is a wonderful human being and her work is vital to the ears in our world. I thank her for it!!!!
the term skinhead has been altered by fucking nazis. if you link the term to racism then you let the nazis win this battle and the original non-racist skinhead movement is erased from history. exactly what the nazis wanted to achieve. i know skinheads who fight against nazis and racism with sweat and blood. you do them no favour when you link the term skinhead to the fucking nazis. yes words' meanings change throughout time, but it is not always for the better.
@Atlus Avalon ? I guess you misunderstood the poem. Patrica is talking about white man racist. She is just acting being him :) After all she is AfroAmerican (black) that is opressesed by racism
What people don't realize, and what I told my students after Charlottesville was that this is why we should ALL be ringing the alarm bells. We can't have people like the man she's portraying spewing hate. People are ignorant enough to listen. Gives me chills.
She's not just criticizing skinheads. She took the time to understand why they feel some of the things they feel and why they blame others. Anyone can bash or poke fun of someone that hates them but she actually feels some sympathy for them despite their despotic ways. That's what makes her beautiful.
I read this in high school for forensics. i am a white male. I had long locks at the time. I had straight fives at districts and one zero. I think it's more relevant today than it was then. oh well, that was 1998.
No. It's an English thing. They were Hard Mods at first.Skinheads originally listened to reggae, but they weren't pc antifa,they were hard street youth. They eventually became radicalized into right-wing politics in the late 70s, early 80s, and they were still from the root of skinhead culture. It wasn't like you think at all.
It can be interpreted in many ways. I feel like his own spit was symbolic for his own beliefs and haughtiness and warped sense of conviction and judgement.
I wish people would not keep on sterotyping Skinheads the original ones in England where not racist in fact we was a offspiring from the Mods who liked Soul Music and we also styled ourselves on the Jamacan rude boys and we all like Reggae in fact I'm a original Skinhead from back then(1969) and I'm white and we had a Reggae Sound System which was run by black & white Skins & Rudies so if some call that racist you need open your minds and read a bit more about the true Skinheads from the U.K.
Well, first of all, loving black culture (such as our music and style) is not the same as loving black people. People from all over the world love black CULTURE. Being more enraged about being called a racist/seen as racist and how badly that makes you feel more than you are enraged by racism and how it impacts black and brown folks is a symptom of racism. It tells us that the image of righteousness you paint yourself with is somehow more important than images of our bodies, minds, religions, languages, and our lives being decimated under the boots of white privilege. Something ALL white people benefit from and on different levels, abuse. That includes all Skinheads. Regardless of where you come from. If most white folks spent half the time they spend trying to prove they are not racist, actually fighting racism, we'd be a lot further along. The poem is brilliant, powerful, and necessary.
Yes thank you for clarifying with us about a different aspect of skinhead culture - yours is clearly not the one she is referring to - these are the neo-nazi types that exist everywhere but this poem specifically refers to American racism and marginalization not about a general group who did not feel hateful. It is a persona poem about a specific group that did carry these views.
This is about AMERICAN skinheads. Listen through to the end. There are people here like this. She hit the nail square on its head. "I'm your baby, America ... And I was born and raised right here." This part starts at 3:02.
What a sick and disgusting hate-fuelled rant. She seems to really despise indigenous Europeans while at the same time using one of their languages and their technology (harnessed electricity, microphone, amplification, loudspeaker etc.) to help her spread her hateful propaganda against them.
This is about AMERICAN skinheads. Listen through to the end. There are people here like this. She hit the nail square on its head. "I'm your baby, America ... And I was born and raised right here." This part starts at 3:02.
How did you even wind-up on this site? When you write this kind of shit, it reflects badly on the rest of us white guys and we've got enough problems already. So if you can't differentiate between skinheads and the rest of the white population, go back to your Richard Spencer lectures and stay away from poetry.
She literally fully puts herself fully in the perspective of this character. Like if a disabled white guy said this it would come off like he's literally just admitting that he himself is racist, and arguing in favor of his racism. How is it hateful?
She definitely embodied another persona to express certain mindsets, beliefs, etc. that are racist against black people. And “they’re technology?” You must not be educated enough because many archetypes for inventions were stolen from Blacks throughout history. She never mentioned the white/euro race at all. Smh.
Almost twenty years later, and this piece still gives me chills.
Me too!
i am proud to say that she was my poetry professor
Which school? She's AMAZING! I wish I could be so lucky. One of the best on Def Poetry Jam.
Wow you were lucky!!!
YES! Glad I can say the same! :)
Atlus Avalon No, actually this is perfect. She's got it nailed. The racism must be in you.
@Atlus Avalon @Atlus Avalon ? I guess you misunderstood the poem. Patrica is talking about white man racist. She is just acting being him :) After all she is AfroAmerican (black) that is opressesed by racism
I think she is speaking out against racism, but in a way that is much more powerful because of the person she is portraying. She is speaking as a white skinhead, and the poem's vocabulary and emotion make the listener want to take action. However, I think the real point of the poem is not sympathy for the skinhead, but to think about the person who says those things, and how they got that way. She says "I'm your baby America...and I was born and raised right here." The poem, I believe, is meant to shine a light on how some people think but more importantly to ask how it is someone becomes that way because if they were born and raised right here then maybe the problem is all of ours.
Jessi Walker great assessment!
I never thought I would love the way someone says the F bomb lol. She said it so.... beautifully and with a certain power that most don't. It's sharper and this poem was a perfect fit for such a sharp and powerful tone. snap snap snap.
You can’t have a shallow mentality and expect to understand her message In this poem. Truly powerful!
She is NOT racist against traditional Skinheads which did start in the 1960s in London. She clearly puts emphasis on the fact that this is about Skinheads in America, which was based on racism when it was brought here. "I am you boy America." So it is not her who has the history wrong it is Americans. People are always trying to find something to say, this is ART. It should be treated like art, I love Patricia Smith, there's a reason she's an award winning writer and slam poet.
I agree with you, Shay Patrick. Like you, I don't know why the hell there are comments on here that suggest researching the word "skinhead." You are right, the term originally meant something different in the 1960's, then during the mid-1980's, and especially throughout the 90's, the word became heavily linked to racism. To those who feel the need to challenge Patricia's use of the term, I suggest giving thought to historical linguistics and respecting the fact that words take on new meanings throughout time. When I have tried explaining language to others in previous conversations, I use the word "villain" as another example since it is widely recognized. I first tell them that "villain" derives from the Latin "villānus," meaning "one attached to a villa or farmhouse," but was later adopted as "villein" to signify "someone whose job was related to agriculture," which finally led to mean "a person who causes trouble or damage to others." I then tell them, that like the term "villain," the meaning of "SKINHEAD" has been altered due to SOCIOCULTURAL influences, which are sometimes triggered by SUBCULTURES. I conclude by telling them that Language change is VERY COMMON and WILL CONTINUE (semantics). As for Patricia Smith's poem, I completely agree with you Shay. She is a wonderful human being and her work is vital to the ears in our world. I thank her for it!!!!
the term skinhead has been altered by fucking nazis. if you link the term to racism then you let the nazis win this battle and the original non-racist skinhead movement is erased from history. exactly what the nazis wanted to achieve. i know skinheads who fight against nazis and racism with sweat and blood. you do them no favour when you link the term skinhead to the fucking nazis.
yes words' meanings change throughout time, but it is not always for the better.
I’ve just discovered this wonderful poet from my hometown of Chicago!!! I am amazed and inspired!!!
My Professor recommended I listen to her work. She is amazing 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
This is my professor and oh my goodness
@Atlus Avalon ? I guess you misunderstood the poem. Patrica is talking about white man racist. She is just acting being him :) After all she is AfroAmerican (black) that is opressesed by racism
Slam needs more poets like this.
This is why I listen too poets because I can hear the words of others throught the non judgemental. We need more poets like this one.
Damn that is so chillin shit. Literally sent chills all over my body.
That last line is just so horrifying! What a poem!
Patricia you blew me away. you are my biggest fan. I look to you. God bless you
This is so amazingly powerful.
this is called persona poem, look it up.
Night Owl Reader correct, you’re very right! I’m currently learning persona poem
O M G. Respect. Love and awe.
Mind-blowing ♥️
i have this poem in a book called Nuyorican Poets. I love this poem. when you read it, you don't get it so you have to read it twice.
Love that book!!
I keep thinking about this after the election
What people don't realize, and what I told my students after Charlottesville was that this is why we should ALL be ringing the alarm bells. We can't have people like the man she's portraying spewing hate. People are ignorant enough to listen. Gives me chills.
Amazing
Amazing,,,,,,
Love it.
She's not just criticizing skinheads. She took the time to understand why they feel some of the things they feel and why they blame others. Anyone can bash or poke fun of someone that hates them but she actually feels some sympathy for them despite their despotic ways. That's what makes her beautiful.
I guess this is what you can call genuine empathy
Wow...that was intense!
I read this in high school for forensics. i am a white male. I had long locks at the time. I had straight fives at districts and one zero. I think it's more relevant today than it was then. oh well, that was 1998.
Well-spoken, you.
powerful piece. I love you.
@talkindurinthemovie 'Skinhead' is a Jamaican thing
No. It's an English thing. They were Hard Mods at first.Skinheads originally listened to reggae, but they weren't pc antifa,they were hard street youth.
They eventually became radicalized into right-wing politics in the late 70s, early 80s, and they were still from the root of skinhead culture. It wasn't like you think at all.
holy shit wow
Wow.
Tht was truth.
No it wasn't.
i love it
wow
Oooh lord.
Hatred mixed with trauma. Interesting.
There was no hatred 😂😂😂
ummmmmmm dont think she is being racist toward skin heads i think she is telling their story
What could "I am filled with/drunk on my own spit" mean?
I might be wrong but I am thinking "hunger" ....probably saying all he had to satisfy his hunger was his spit...again I might be wrong
Loving to hear yourself speak/filled with your own rhetoric
I think it means that he is filled with bile which is what fuels his rage.
It could be implying that he is having a pavlovian response for the hunger of achieving white purity.
It can be interpreted in many ways. I feel like his own spit was symbolic for his own beliefs and haughtiness and warped sense of conviction and judgement.
@LBSKINHEADARMY Um... this poem is written from the perspective of a White man.
I get this. But google skinhead history before you judge.
SKINHEAD not bonehead
Anti nazis
Sharp Skinhead against racial prejudice
....lol...wow...
THANK YOU! The poem is brilliant, but she's just exacerbating society's misunderstanding of the trad skinhead lifestyle. She does mean Boneheads ;)
I wish people would not keep on sterotyping Skinheads the original ones in England where not racist in fact we was a offspiring from the Mods who liked Soul Music and we also styled ourselves on the Jamacan rude boys and we all like Reggae in fact I'm a original Skinhead from back then(1969) and I'm white and we had a Reggae Sound System which was run by black & white Skins & Rudies so if some call that racist you need open your minds and read a bit more about the true Skinheads from the U.K.
NUBBY39 she's talking about the American bred ones that spew out racist words and beatings
Well, first of all, loving black culture (such as our music and style) is not the same as loving black people. People from all over the world love black CULTURE. Being more enraged about being called a racist/seen as racist and how badly that makes you feel more than you are enraged by racism and how it impacts black and brown folks is a symptom of racism. It tells us that the image of righteousness you paint yourself with is somehow more important than images of our bodies, minds, religions, languages, and our lives being decimated under the boots of white privilege. Something ALL white people benefit from and on different levels, abuse. That includes all Skinheads. Regardless of where you come from. If most white folks spent half the time they spend trying to prove they are not racist, actually fighting racism, we'd be a lot further along. The poem is brilliant, powerful, and necessary.
Yes thank you for clarifying with us about a different aspect of skinhead culture - yours is clearly not the one she is referring to - these are the neo-nazi types that exist everywhere but this poem specifically refers to American racism and marginalization not about a general group who did not feel hateful. It is a persona poem about a specific group that did carry these views.
This is about AMERICAN skinheads. Listen through to the end. There are people here like this. She hit the nail square on its head. "I'm your baby, America ... And I was born and raised right here." This part starts at 3:02.
this is prejudiced against skinheads.
good
Why can't there be more intelligent black women like this???
What a sick and disgusting hate-fuelled rant. She seems to really despise indigenous Europeans while at the same time using one of their languages and their technology (harnessed electricity, microphone, amplification, loudspeaker etc.) to help her spread her hateful propaganda against them.
Somebody doesn't understand poetry
This is about AMERICAN skinheads. Listen through to the end. There are people here like this. She hit the nail square on its head. "I'm your baby, America ... And I was born and raised right here." This part starts at 3:02.
How did you even wind-up on this site? When you write this kind of shit, it reflects badly on the rest of us white guys and we've got enough problems already. So if you can't differentiate between skinheads and the rest of the white population, go back to your Richard Spencer lectures and stay away from poetry.
She literally fully puts herself fully in the perspective of this character. Like if a disabled white guy said this it would come off like he's literally just admitting that he himself is racist, and arguing in favor of his racism. How is it hateful?
She definitely embodied another persona to express certain mindsets, beliefs, etc. that are racist against black people. And “they’re technology?” You must not be educated enough because many archetypes for inventions were stolen from Blacks throughout history. She never mentioned the white/euro race at all. Smh.