Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

June Jordan’s “Poem About My Rights” is a fervent and defiant declaration of autonomy, resistance, and identity. It unpacks the myriad ways in which societal, cultural, and personal forces attempt to suppress and control the individual, particularly women and people of color. Through her powerful and evocative language, Jordan draws parallels between personal violations and broader systemic injustices, weaving a tapestry that reveals the interconnectedness of oppression on multiple levels.

The poem begins with the speaker’s frustration at not being able to walk freely in her own skin, highlighting the various societal pressures and dangers that dictate her actions and appearance. Jordan writes, “I can’t go out without changing my clothes my shoes / my body posture my gender identity my age / my status as a woman alone in the evening.” This passage underscores the pervasive fear and self-censorship imposed by a world that threatens women’s safety and autonomy simply for existing in public spaces.

Jordan’s critique extends beyond individual experiences to encompass broader geopolitical and historical contexts. She draws a stark comparison between personal rape and the violent colonial exploits of nations, particularly in Africa. The lines “which is exactly like South Africa / penetrating into Namibia penetrating into / Angola” liken the physical violation of women to the aggressive imperialism of powerful nations. This parallel illustrates how domination, whether on an individual or national scale, is rooted in a fundamental disregard for autonomy and consent.

The poem’s relentless rhythm and repetition emphasize the continuous and pervasive nature of these violations. Jordan repeatedly invokes the word “wrong,” reflecting how society labels and marginalizes those who do not fit into its narrow definitions of acceptability. She lists various ways she has been deemed “wrong,” from her gender and race to her personal desires and aspirations. This litany of perceived wrongs culminates in the powerful assertion, “I have been the meaning of rape / I have been the problem everyone seeks to / eliminate by forced / penetration.”

One of the poem’s most striking aspects is its assertion of self-ownership and resistance. Despite the litany of violations and societal pressures, Jordan’s speaker resolutely claims her identity: “I am not wrong: Wrong is not my name / My name is my own my own my own.” This declaration is a powerful act of defiance against the forces that seek to undermine and erase her individuality. It underscores the importance of self-definition and the reclamation of one’s narrative in the face of systemic oppression.

Jordan’s use of vivid and visceral imagery further amplifies the poem’s emotional impact. She does not shy away from the brutal realities of rape, assault, and systemic violence, using graphic descriptions to convey the physical and emotional toll of these experiences. The poem’s rawness and intensity serve to jolt the reader into a heightened awareness of the injustices it describes, making it impossible to ignore or downplay their severity.

In the concluding lines, Jordan’s speaker shifts from a tone of lamentation to one of resolute defiance. She warns that her resistance and self-determination may very well pose a threat to those who perpetuate and benefit from the status quo: “from now on my resistance / my simple and daily and nightly self-determination / may very well cost you your life.” This warning underscores the potential consequences of challenging deeply entrenched systems of power, while also affirming the speaker’s unwavering commitment to asserting her autonomy.

“Poem About My Rights” is a powerful and unflinching exploration of the intersectionality of personal and political oppression. Through her incisive and evocative language, June Jordan challenges readers to confront the pervasive and multifaceted nature of violence and injustice. The poem’s relentless rhythm, vivid imagery, and resolute assertions of self-ownership make it a compelling and enduring work of resistance and empowerment.

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