Question

Watch her 2018 TED-Ed talk to learn a little more about her. You will see that, in the tradition of speaking truth to power, Ms. Gorman often turns to her literary mantra, "I am the daughter of Black writers, who are descended from Freedom Fighters, who broke the chains who changed the world. They call me." What does she say in this talk that stands out for you? Why? Have you ever encountered poetry that, like the examples she gives, has something interesting to say about politics and democracy? What examples come to mind? How might you answer her key questions: "Whose shoulders do you stand on? What do you stand for?"

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

1. The way of positioning poetry as a form of popular education is something that stands out for me in this lecture. This is because it puts poetry, and literature in general, as an influencing and transforming factor in society, since that can stimulate concepts and reflection on problems of a political, social and economic nature.

2. I believe that Langston Hughes' poetry has a strong political and, in a way, democratic and social content, while placing African-Americans within this scenario, to which we are all part.

3. We must stand on our own shoulders and take our responsibility for ourselves and for the defense of democracy and the oversight of politics in our country, since we are responsible citizens for our nation. We must position ourselves and maintain what we represent, within society.