Amiri Baraka (LeRoi Jones)

Objectives

3a. African American alternative narrative: “The Dream”

("The Dream" resembles but is not identical to "The American Dream." Whereas the American Dream emphasizes immediate individual success, "the Dream" factors in setbacks, the need to rise again, and group dignity.)

Objective 4

To register the minority dilemma of assimilation or resistance—i. e., do you fight or join the culture that oppressed you? What balance do minorities strike between economic benefits and personal or cultural sacrifices? In general, immigrants assimilate, while minorities (esp. African Americans) remain distinct.

Interpretation of the poem “Ka ‘Ba”

The initial line seems to connote someone or something watching from an elevated point of view.  This can also be interpreted as an oppressive factor, not just a physical characteristic.  The closed window represents the fact that those watching can see but refuse to listen.  “They” (those behind the windows) choose to remain isolated and distance themselves from what they see.  What “they” fail to comprehend is “our” beauty.  The beauty possessed has its roots grounded in Africa, a place in the distance they struggle to connect with and refuse to forget.  The author has refused to assimilate and sees distinction of his people as a necessity. 

A presentation from a previous class states, “Ultimately, Baraka uses these images and ideas to create a poem that expresses the experience of being Black in America, as well as sending a call to action to the family of African-Americans” (TNK). 

Questions

1.  In the first stanza, do you sense a significant difference in word usage and/or point of view in comparison to the remainder of the poem?

2.  In connection with the objectives, what word(s) do you see as symbolic of group dignity?  What word(s) reflect distinction as opposed to assimilation?