This is not an answer to the questions -- Baraka's Somebody Blew Up America

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Date Posted: 20:54:37 10/13/02 Sun
Author: hang me
Subject: This is not an answer to the questions

I know that you are looking for specific answers, but I would like to make e brief statement instead. I am a 33 year old back businessman, and although not a poet, I am an avid poetry lover. I am very disturbed by what has happened with this poet. I feel that he was given a position of importance and honor, and has used it to benefit his own needs. We (the black people) have come so far from our roots and have made so many sacrifices to be where we are today. A black man never would have been considered for this position many years ago, and I find it diffictult to comprehend how he (poet in question) would drag himself to such a level of disrespect, noless those he believes he is representing. The satements in your poem Mr. Baraka (I don't know if you read these) are the kind of hateful slurs and irrational generalities towards the jews, that people have made against us (black people), and you sir have sunk to that level of disgrace. You have done many good things for black people in the arts, but your writings have always leaned a bit too much towards antagonism, hatred and racism. This was a perfect example of all those things, and also of what our people have had to put up with from those who have done the same sort of thing to us. By wearing their shoes, you are condoning their actions. I feel the shackles my ancestors wore growing heavier around my ankles when I hear about things like this. I don't think that the politicians should be telling poets what to write, however I think that poets that accept the responsibilities and honor of poet laureate, should have the class, the responsibility, and for God's sake, the language skills to handle themselves with tact, kindness and humanity. You are supposed to be a positive influence and an inspiration, not someone who uses this position of respect to bring the world more hatred and less respect to a people who deserve the respect of all races and religions, and owe the same in return. This is is the kind of thing race riots stem from. I hope you do us a favor and quit, or at least quit spreading hatred.

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