Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Janice Mirikitani’s "Yes, We Are Not Invisible" is a defiant and empowering declaration of identity, resilience, and solidarity. Through a direct and unapologetic tone, the poem confronts stereotypes and systemic oppression while celebrating the strength, diversity, and endurance of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. By addressing and dismantling misconceptions, the poem reclaims visibility and voice, asserting the speaker’s identity on her own terms.

The poem begins with a series of emphatic negations: “No, I’m not from Tokyo, Singapore, or Saigon.” This opening immediately establishes the speaker’s resistance to stereotypes and assumptions, as she dismantles common misconceptions about Asian identity. The repeated use of “No” serves as both a refusal and an act of self-definition, rejecting the reductive labels and prejudices imposed by society. Through humor and irony—“No, your dogs are safe with me” and “No, I do not invade the park for squirrel meat”—the speaker exposes the absurdity and offensiveness of such stereotypes.

Mirikitani’s critique extends beyond personal grievances to encompass broader societal issues, highlighting the violence, marginalization, and erasure faced by Asian Americans. The litany of injustices—AIDS, PTSD, murder, incarceration, and mistaken identity—underscores the tangible consequences of systemic racism and ignorance. These lines remind the reader that invisibility is not merely a metaphor but a lived reality, where individuals and communities are overlooked, dehumanized, or scapegoated. The statement “No, to us life is not cheap” directly confronts a harmful stereotype often used to devalue Asian lives, reclaiming dignity and humanity.

The poem’s geographical references create a rich tapestry of identity, spanning both diasporic and ancestral roots. The speaker asserts her connection to places like Stockton, San Francisco, and Tule Lake—locations steeped in the history of Asian American struggles, from agricultural labor movements to internment camps. By naming these places, the poem situates the speaker within a specific cultural and historical context, affirming the depth and breadth of Asian American experiences.

At the same time, the speaker embraces her global heritage, declaring, “And Yes, I am from Tokyo, Singapore, Manila, Guam, Beijing, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Korea, Samoa, Hong Kong, Taiwan.” This inclusive litany reflects the diversity within Asian and Pacific Islander communities, emphasizing the interconnectedness of their histories and struggles. The juxtaposition of these affirmations with the earlier negations creates a dynamic interplay between rejecting imposed identities and asserting self-defined ones.

The refrain “No, we are not Invisible” serves as both a declaration and a rallying cry. It challenges the erasure of Asian American and Pacific Islander voices from mainstream narratives, asserting their presence and contributions. This statement is followed by the affirmative “Yes,” which shifts the poem’s tone toward empowerment and solidarity. The imagery of “ropes of the sun” lifting “a new morning” evokes renewal and resilience, suggesting that the strength of these communities lies in their unity and shared history.

Mirikitani’s language is both direct and poetic, blending humor, irony, and lyrical imagery. The repetition of “No” and “Yes” creates a rhythmic structure that drives the poem forward, mirroring the push and pull of resistance and affirmation. The tone is unapologetic and celebratory, honoring the resilience of those who have endured and the power of those who continue to rise.

Yes, “We Are Not Invisible” is a powerful assertion of identity and visibility. By rejecting stereotypes and affirming the strength and diversity of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, Mirikitani challenges readers to confront their own biases and to recognize the richness of these lived experiences. The poem is both a critique of oppression and a celebration of resilience, offering a vision of collective strength and hope. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of self-definition and the importance of making oneself seen and heard.

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