What is the first thing that strikes your mind when you hear about writing? Chinua Achebe said, “Words once written have a life of their own”. So, in that sense writing goes beyond just putting symbols on paper. It is like a bridge that lets us share our thoughts and feelings over time. Writing is our way of leaving something behind for future generations to understand. It is like a time machine powered by our ability to express ourselves. The 3rd decade of 21st century has some powerful AI tools that can write thousands of words in seconds. This raises some interesting questions: with our attention spans shrinking thanks to short videos, how will we explore deep human emotions and find meaningful connections with others? Will the vast amount of easily available content drown out our desire for genuine intellectual connections?
A potential answer to the aforementioned concerns regarding attention span and the impact of readily available content on human connection may lie within the recent trend of slam poetry. Slam poetry, characterized by its performance-based nature, integrates elements of writing, public presentation, competition, and audience interaction. This surge in youth engagement with performative poetry can be interpreted as a means of reclaiming, re-evaluating, and ultimately re-articulating self-expression. Expressing oneself is important for growing as a person. It helps understand one’s feelings and connect with people. It is not just something nice to have rather it is something we really need. And when we express ourselves, it makes us feel better mentally, helps us understand who we are, and also brings us closer to others.
Slam poetry offers a particularly compelling way for self-expression. This artistic genre thrives on authenticity, providing a platform for creative individuals to express their truths in a genuine and unfiltered manner. In an era characterized by artificiality and social performance, slam poetry stands as a powerful counterpoint. Moreover, slam poetry transcends mere words. Young people can leverage rhythm, music, and even movement to elevate their performances, transforming them into multifaceted expressions of self.
While self-expression lies at the core of slam poetry's appeal, this artistic form offers young people an additional empowering benefit: a platform to grapple with the challenges of the contemporary world. Success in academics or careers, while important, does not encompass the entirety of the human experience. The world faces numerous social injustices and instances of violence. Slam poetry events function as safe spaces for young people to explore these complex issues and develop their voices in response. This process fosters a sense of empowerment and facilitates the creation of communities built upon shared values and a commitment to social change.
Slam poetry empowers young people to claim their voices within a society that may sometimes seem restrictive. Functioning as an uncensored microphone, slam poetry grants young individuals the freedom to experiment with language and utilize their own words in a way that social media, with its filters and limitations, cannot. The essence of slam poetry lies in its ability to empower young people in order to creatively express themselves without restriction.
Slam poetry transcends a mere trend; it embodies a longstanding tradition of utilizing powerful language to illuminate societal injustices. It serves as a platform for challenging unfairness and violence. Notably, slam poetry welcomes the participation of young people, encouraging them to contribute their unique perspectives. To gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and viewpoints, one must actively engage with their poems that advocate for social justice.
Beyond social critique, slam poetry fosters a love for language and the world itself. The art form compels audiences to contemplate the transformative power of words, their ability to cultivate self-love, and compassion, and ultimately, inspire positive change. The aim is to cultivate a love for language within young people, both inside and outside of formal education, demonstrating its potential to benefit humanity.
Many platforms like Chandigarh University Online offer a Master’s degree in English that is designed to foster a deeper understanding of language so that young minds can cultivate critical thinking and actively participate in creating a better world. Therefore, with a combination of knowledge of literature and the rhythm of slam poetry, let us compose a symphony of words that reverberates through generations, echoing the call for justice, compassion, and the transformative power of language.
Author:- Ms. Richa - Assistant Professor
Department of English - CDOE
