Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

June Jordan’s poem "A Poem About Intelligence for My Brothers & Sisters" serves as a powerful commentary on the societal and scientific misconceptions about intelligence, especially as it pertains to Black individuals. Jordan's work challenges the historical and racial biases that have plagued scientific discourse, offering a poignant critique wrapped in an engaging narrative.

The poem opens with a recollection of how Black intelligence has been historically undermined: "A few years back and they told me Black / means a hole where other folks / got brain." This stark imagery encapsulates the derogatory view that Black people lack intellectual capacity, a sentiment perpetuated by pseudo-scientific studies such as those referenced in the "Notorious Jensen Lapse." Arthur Jensen, a psychologist known for his controversial claims about race and intelligence, becomes a focal point of Jordan's critique.

Jordan juxtaposes this harmful stereotype with the reverence often accorded to figures like Albert Einstein, widely regarded as the epitome of intellectual brilliance. Through a hypothetical interaction with Mrs. Johnson, an elderly Black woman sweeping her stoop, Jordan illustrates the disconnection between theoretical intelligence and practical wisdom. When Jordan introduces Einstein’s famous equation, E=mc², Mrs. Johnson’s reaction is rooted in everyday practicality rather than abstract scientific principles.

The poem humorously underscores the absurdity of equating intellectual genius with practical value. Mrs. Johnson, a figure of common sense and lived experience, remains unimpressed by Einstein's theoretical achievements. Jordan amplifies this contrast by highlighting Einstein’s quirks and social deficiencies: “And dint remember to wear socks when he put on / his shoes!” and “never did nothing for nobody in particular / lessen it was a committee.” These details humanize Einstein, stripping away the aura of untouchable genius and questioning the societal elevation of certain types of intelligence over others.

Jordan's narrative technique is crucial in delivering her message. The conversational tone and the use of vernacular language create an intimate and relatable atmosphere. The dialogue between the speaker and Mrs. Johnson reveals a deeper understanding of intelligence that transcends academic accolades. Mrs. Johnson’s ultimate response, “Well, honey, / I do guess / that’s genius for you,” is laced with irony. It subtly critiques the notion that brilliance is synonymous with eccentricity and detachment from the realities of daily life.

The poem’s structure, with its conversational flow and lack of strict formal constraints, mirrors the fluidity of the discussion on intelligence. Jordan avoids didacticism, instead allowing the narrative to unfold naturally, leading the reader to question preconceived notions about intelligence and its measurement. The repetition of "and" towards the end of the poem emphasizes the growing list of Einstein's practical failings, building a rhythmic momentum that crescendos into the final ironic punchline.

In "A Poem About Intelligence for My Brothers & Sisters," June Jordan dismantles the traditional metrics of intelligence, advocating for a more inclusive and practical understanding of what it means to be wise. By elevating the voices and experiences of everyday people like Mrs. Johnson, Jordan redefines genius in a way that values lived experience and practical knowledge over abstract intellectualism. This poem is a call to recognize and celebrate the diverse forms of intelligence that exist within the Black community and beyond, challenging the narrow definitions that have historically marginalized so many.

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