...e. Racism, a factor that has always been prevalent in human nature, is the difference of oneself to a majority group, making one a minority, or ‘better’ or ‘worse’. “But our scorched eyes were stooped by white faces, We sank, stupefied by white capital…” (Black Baptist). Clarke uses descriptive imagery to add emotion to his work, while the feelings of unimportance and intimidation are evident through his writings. These feelings express the deterioration of Clark’s “Black” (“Confession”) heritage in his community, and further prove how great of an impact racism has left on the African culture. “His sneered face crapping, ‘God damn your black ass’” (Black Baptist). Through the use of connotations, the underlying message of hatred and the lack of respect for “Blacks” is evident, so the reader is able to obtain a stronger understanding of the emotional significance behind the poetry.
Clarke “harnesses the pain in the history of racism and pours it into explosive original language” (WFNS). Clarke references the improper treatment of Africans, in the matter of them simply being black. “To feel your skin burning under vampire kisses meant for someone else” (Africadian Experience). In the situation of police being involved in an event, stereotypical evidence proves that blacks are blamed for a greater
number of crimes due to their skin colour. This proves the basic concept of blame being placed on them while they continue to get punished for others’ wrong doings, when it
should be directed somewhere else. His technique includes focusing on the “philosophy of beauty” (Workman S.) behind the culture of his African heritage, as he chooses to highlight the struggle and cruelty that his culture is slowly overcoming. “To recognize beauty when you see it, and not to be afraid” (Africadian Experience). Clarke ends the poem Africadian Experience with this line, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. He is referencing the beauty of the black skin and his heritage, only because most people immediately have a stereotypical opinion, which is instantly directed with fear.
Like racism, poverty has been a noticeable variable in many individuals’ lives, dating back to the beginning of time. It has the ability to weaken ones life due to many factors collaborating together making one less fortunate than another. “Well, as a child, I spread blackstrap on bread…”(Black Baptist). The use of Clarke’s analogies accounts to the reader’s vision of poverty. Instead of spreading jam or butter, he had to spread blackstrap, a thick molasses that was used in cattle feed (Dictionary.com). His use of language compliments the emotion he wants to express through each of his poems (Lane). “To enter the Sally Anne - or Frenchy’s – and come out all spiffy” (Africadian Experience). Clarke expresses a wish to be able to have money, supporting the idea of poverty being evident throughout his community. And because of their poverty they are unable to enter a rich store and come out with the newest clothes, and dressed as elegantly as they wish they could be.
Personification, vivid uses of imagery, analogies, and connotations, along with m...