Take this poem I, Too [Sing America] I, too, sing America. I am the darker broth

Question

Take this poem

I, Too [Sing America]

I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.

Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.

Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed----
I, too, am America.

Share your opinions or thoughts using the following questions as a guide:
1. How did this poem shape your understanding of life around you?
2. How did this work help you to see your world in a different way?
3. Did the piece trouble you?
4. Did one inspire you?
5. Were you able to connect with any of the characters?

Explanation / Answer

1. The poem talks about a time when racial segregation was very common in America. It views the life through an African American lens. The dark brother here refers to his dark skin colour and how because of that he is discriminated against and accepted as a part of the social fabric. The poem also helps in shaping the view that the oppression does not stop the person from being happy and laughing in the kitchen which according to me a is hope for a better tomorrow that the central figure in the poem refers to.

2. This poem instils a strong feeling of hope and optimism in a black individual and helped me to realise and see the world from the perspective of a person who is oppressed.It brings to the fore the feelings of a person who does not see himself as black but as an American.

3. This piece is crisp and coveys the message that brevity is the key. In just a few words it is able to beautifully describe the plight of a black person at a time when racial discrimination was rampant and commonplace in the American society. It is really troubling to believe that as humans there was a time when we treated fellow humans like animals and denied them their rights.

4. This poem also inspired me through it positive outlook and optimistic wording as shown through the lenses of an African American who is treated disrespectfully but still does not lose hope and believes that one-day justice will be met and he would be able to lead a free life.

5. The poet was able to directly connect with me as he poignantly described the character and is very forceful in driving the character home through unique repetitions and reiterations throughout the piece.

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