Following are several link to spoken word poetry readings. Listen to two and comment on your favorite poet. Think of spoken word as somewhat analogous to rap music in that both often depict harsh realities existing in the world. Let this comment also serve as a warning that some of the links breach sensitive topics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhZU0uEpi5A (Andrea Gibson discusses the conflicting nature of life).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDzshjFKuYE (Andrea Gibson speaks on the affects of rape. This was the first spoken word poet I ever listened to years ago. I fell in love with her works).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHaw3SRL-3Q (Alvin Lau recites a beautiful and powerful poem about his sister's marriage; his sister is lesbian).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjqqZyfpeUQ (Alvin Lau performs an energetic and incredible tribute to breakdancing).
Alvin Lau’s performance about break dancers was amazing. I have never thought about poetry in that sort of way. It opened up my eyes to a louder view of poetry. It sent a vivid strong message. Alvin Lau puts on an energetic show through his clean cut break dancing moves. With every line he spoke he had a breakdancing move to go with his words.
ReplyDeleteI liked Alvin Lau’s second spoken word because he spoke deeply about his sister. He hit some sensitive points about his sister being lesbian. He talks about his sister’s wedding and about the magical moment that went on during their first kiss when his sister kissed his wife. I like the way he made me feel as if I was their when he explained every detail. Throughout his spoken word poetry he used a certain aggression to say his poetry. I liked his last phrase when he said marriage is about love, nothing matters.
ReplyDeleteI liked the video were Andrea Gibson performs her poem about women being rapped. I liked the emotion that she put into the poem it makes have a real sense of the reality of rape with women. It may hit some sensitive points but it demonstrates the worries that a mother might have about making sure her daughter does not get hurt. The rhythm of the poem is noticeable with the ending words of the sentences. It gives a good moral how mothers want to educate not only there daughters but mainly their sons what they should not do to women.
ReplyDeleteAndrea Gibson poem about rape definitely gave me the chills. A woman can go through a various amount of pain and still be the blame of the situation. She states that a mother can protect her daughter but should teach the son about rape. A mother should make sure her son doesn't bother to touch a girl. The world is corrupted, this should be stopped.I can admit that Gibson is a great poet and makes a person think twice about doing things.
ReplyDeleteI really like Alvin Lau's poem about his sister's wedding. He talks in a tone that sounded so defensive to whoever thinks wrong about his sister being a lesbian. He says that everyone has their own thoughts of what they see on stage when his sister kisses her wife. That is true. How cares about what they think. They aren't the right one's either. I like how he said he wanted to wipe his sister's tear with the copy of the constitutional right to say i do. If she was to go to hell for her marriage and love she would accept it. "Marriage is about love, nothing else matter." I was moved by his speech and as an older brother, i too would defend my younger brothers or sisters even if the world goes against them.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed all of the poems from both poets. Andrea Gibson first poem caught my attention a lot because she makes you feel what she is saying. The poem that i enjoyed the most was Alvin Lau's first poem "Full Moon," this poem literally i listened to it 5 times because i loved how he expressed himself about that topic. In general i enjoyed both of the poets but i have to admit that Alvin was my favorite.
ReplyDeleteAt first when I saw my options I chose Andrea Gibson's Blue Blanket because It said it was about rape and thats what my career is leaning towards after watching it I couldnt help but watch the other one. While listening to the poem blue blanket I felt chills the way she explained everything with such detail. The way she said that even the wind of the fan felt like the man's breathing and the way she finished the poem with explaining why the poem was titled blue blanket. At times it is difficult to see just how intense a situation is but listening to the blue blanket poem made me think of what it would feel like to go thru such abuse and Im sure it would be something that would be hard to keep off of your mind.
ReplyDeleteI'm not the type to enjoy poems, but I somewhat enjoyed how Alvin Lau defends his sister and gives meaning to love. I must admit that I first thought of it as stand up comedy which I hate, but as I continued to listen he made me think of how others question or look at gay marriage in a negative way. Love doesn't discriminate. A person can love whoever. Even though he was defending his sister, he didn't make it seem like he was so serious about it. It made me think that he was just trying to be passionate without really meaning what he was saying.
ReplyDeleteI extemely enjoyed listening and seeing Andrea Gibson's poem! I can tell that she was passionate about rape and the affects it has on women. I was very surprised at the end of the poem when she mentions what she's going to teach her son. Throughout the poem, she talks about what she would tell her daughter and how women are victims. When she mentions her son, I began to think of how guys should be taught to respect women. My mouth literally dropped at the end!
I preferred Alvin Lau's poem over Andrea Gibsons poem because I was able to understand what he was saying and what he was saying was true. before during my early high school years I was anti homosexual but then I understood that all of us are the same and deserve to be treated equally no matter our sexual orientation. I accept everybody for who they are. alvins poem actually touched me because he described his sisters struggles for being lesbian and what how she was labeled in the united states. andreas peom was also nice because she talked about how much gay people have to live with. their parents hate for what they were destined to be and the unconditional love they receive from their parents.
ReplyDeleteI actually listen to spoken word and I think Andrea Gibson has become one my favorites. I loved both of her poems. I agree with her on both topics. Life doesn't rhyme at all, for what there is good, there is bad. As for the poem Blue Blanket, I think it is amazing! She showed so much emotion and she brought to attention all the different type of pain women endure during that time. What I also liked was that at the end of the poem she asked the same question that america should be asking. What are you going to teach your son?
ReplyDeleteWhen Andrea Gibson said her poem, she said it with a passion. It frightened me a little to hear everything that went on in a woman's mind when they're raped. When she says her poem she shows the pain they go through. And that is what I think makes her a great poet. Shes passionate about her poems.
ReplyDelete(Andrea Gibson discusses the conflicting nature of life)
ReplyDeleteCompared to Andrea Gibson's piece on rape, I found that her piece on life is and isnt at the same time was amazing. she compares everything to its self and how hate can be sweet and love can be hateful. She gives lists upon lists just like this and I loved it. Her depth is meaning full and she speaks with all kinds of passion that is just admirrable.
Andrea Gibson's spoken word poetries were good. They were definitely different than anything else I have heard. Her poem about rape and about life struggles was crazy. It made me feel like what pain what kind of pain the rape victims go through and what different people in some unlucky situation go through as well. It was an eye opener and great to listen too.
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