Terisa Siagatonu "Ethnic Studies" - ALL DEF POETRY: INKSLAM 2014 | All Def Poetry

Summary

In this powerful slam poetry performance from the 2014 Ink! Festival, Shihan addresses the disconnect between theoretical discussions of racism in academic settings and the lived experiences of people of color. Shihan criticizes the comfort and privilege of white students in ethnic studies, who can close their textbooks to escape the harsh realities that people of color face daily. The poem is a call to confront the uncomfortable truths of racism and to move beyond mere celebration of diversity towards genuine understanding and action.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The speaker, Shihan, discusses the disconnect between theoretical discussions of oppression in an academic setting and the lived experiences of those who are oppressed.
• 📚 Shihan highlights the irony of white students studying ethnic studies as if it's a 'free study abroad program' without the need to confront their own privilege.
• 🗣️ The script emphasizes the difference between majoring in ethnic studies and being the subject of those studies, suggesting the latter is a deeper, more personal experience.
• 🤔 Shihan questions the notion of public education when it comes to studying one's own racial profile, implying a sense of objectification and dehumanization.
• 🚫 The poem critiques the idea of racial profiling and the systemic racism that targets people of color, making them feel like they are always under suspicion.
• 💥 The speaker uses strong imagery to describe the feeling of being a person of color in a society riddled with racism, comparing it to a 'nuclear missile' that is always looming.
• 👀 Shihan points out the uncomfortable truth that people of color are often 'studied' in academic settings, reducing their complex identities to mere subjects of study.
• 🔍 The script calls for a deeper understanding and acknowledgment of the realities of racism, urging those who have not experienced it to confront their ignorance and complicity.
• 🏠 Shihan speaks to the feeling of displacement and the foreclosure of a 'home' that represents a safe space free from racial tension and oppression.
• 🚷 The poem argues against the comfort of ignoring or avoiding discussions of race and racism, suggesting that this avoidance is what perpetuates systemic issues.
• 🌉 The final takeaway is a call to action for building bridges for healing and understanding, rather than walls for protection and division.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the 2014 Ink Slam Poetry Festival performance by Shihan?

The main theme is the personal experience of racial and social oppression, particularly from the perspective of a person of color in an ethnic studies class.

How does Shihan describe the experience of students of color in the ethnic studies class?

Shihan describes it as sitting in the back of the class, listening to white peers theorize about oppression without truly understanding the lived experiences of those they are discussing.

What does Shihan suggest about the white students' approach to ethnic studies?

Shihan suggests that for white students, ethnic studies is like a 'free study abroad program' where they can close their textbooks and leave their issues at the door, unlike students of color who live the realities.

What metaphor does Shihan use to describe the white students' understanding of racism and class war?

Shihan uses the metaphor of 'sweet and comfortable words' to describe how white students discuss racism and class war, implying that their understanding is superficial and detached from the real experiences.

How does Shihan feel about being the subject of study in an ethnic studies class?

Shihan feels like they are being dissected like a frog or a rat, suggesting that they are only understood in the context of their oppression and not as a whole person.

What does Shihan mean when they say 'my life is beginning to feel a lot like a free ethnic studies lecturer with no tenure'?

This means that Shihan feels they are constantly teaching others about their oppression without any security or recognition, and that their experiences are not valued in the academic setting.

What does Shihan argue about the existence of racism in their own major?

Shihan argues that the belief that racism doesn't exist, especially in their own major, is a form of denial and avoidance of the harsh realities that people of color face.

How does Shihan view the concept of comfort in relation to confronting racial issues?

Shihan views comfort as a barrier to confronting racial issues, suggesting that staying comfortable prevents people from taking action, speaking up, and truly understanding the experiences of others.

What does Shihan suggest is the role of ethnic studies in understanding people of color?

Shihan suggests that ethnic studies should not just be about studying people of color from a distance, but about understanding their experiences and survival strategies in a society that marginalizes them.

What message does Shihan want to convey to the white students in the class?

Shihan wants to convey that the 'war zone' of racial oppression still exists and that it's not comfortable for people of color, urging the white students to acknowledge and confront this reality.

How does Shihan use the imagery of 'red with blood' to conclude their poem?

The imagery of 'red with blood' serves as a powerful symbol of the ongoing struggle and violence experienced by people of color, emphasizing the urgency and seriousness of the issues discussed in the poem.