Advanced English 3&4 Medio. Slam Poetry

Slam Poetry 3&4 Medio

Slam poetry is a form of spoken word poetry that is meant to be performed. A man named Marc Kelly Smith didn’t like the structure, rules, and stuffiness of academic/traditional poetry. He wanted something looser and fun for poetry. He also founded the first ever National Poetry Slam in 1990.

Slam poems are usually political surrounding topics such as race, gender, class, sexuality, politics, discrimination, mental health, and so on. They are meant to provoke an emotional response from the listener.

Since people who speak slam poems usually speak fast in English, you may have to listen to the poem a couple of times to hear everything.

“High School Training Ground” by Malcolm London

Listen to this poem. While you listen, ask yourself these questions:

      1. What emotions does this poem make you feel?

2  2.   What is the message of this poem?

This poem speaks about the state of the American public high school. However, there are also several other issues that are spoken about in this poem. The other issues are:

• ·         Toxic masculinity
• ·         Bullying
• ·         Teachers being underpaid
• ·         Capitalism
• ·         Toxic education system
• ·         Toxic households
• ·         School shootings
• ·         The false concept of “the American dream”.

Since this is a TEDTalk, not an actual poetry slam competition, the crowd is completely silent. At an actual poetry slam the crowd would be cheering, snapping, and letting their opinions be heard.

Assignment:

Your assignment is to write your own slam poem. Choose an issue, either in your life or in the world, that you think needs more attention. Love? Mental health? This quarantine? The government? There are so many topics to choose from. Just make sure it is something you are passionate about.

Your poem must be at least 15 lines. Remember, this poem is in free verse. It doesn’t have to rhyme, but it can. Also remember, emotion is supposed to shine through your words. Read your poem out loud before you submit it. Write it like you’re going to perform it.

This assignment is due May 16, 2020 on Friday. 

Our zoom class will be on every Friday at 11:30 PM. Our zoom ID is 242-196-439