Slam poetry as a medium for revolution
Slam poetry isn’t a new phenomenon. It found its place in the spotlight in the ‘90s as a platform for self expression and a new way for young poets to get the word out — literally — on issues that have affected their daily lives.
Slam poetry isn’t a new phenomenon. It found its place in the spotlight in the ‘90s as a platform for self expression and a new way for young poets to get the word out — literally — on issues that have affected their daily lives. Poetry slams are often held in small, underground venues, everywhere from New York to Paris and South Africa, tying the world together under one common theme of intimacy. It’s a universal practice that has gained momentum, as part of the performing arts, particularly in the last 25 years or so, but one that continues to shape the social consciousness of the global community
Revolutionaries have found their audience
While young poets, such as Sarah Kay, find a certain modicum of fame as performers (showcasing their work on TedX and at live performance venues and collectives) a growing number of poets are publishing their work online, almost entirely. This has made the movement more widely accessible especially as access to the Web grows in developing countries.
It also means there’s a greater level of cultural cross-pollination where ideas are concerned. However, the same universal themes are relatable and offer people a place to find catharsis and a common ground. Revolutionaries have indeed found a willing and engaged audience that stands behind the same beliefs of equality and peace but from varying viewpoints.
Where to from here?
With this in mind, slam and spoken word poetry can be considered a powerful platform for growing social consciousness and societal change. Yet, in many ways, it remains a largely untapped resource. While it continues to find its feet amidst the artistic and the developmentally minded, there are still more groups of people for it to reach. Poets have found an audience on the Internet and at dedicated showcases but there is still so much potential for this artform to grow.
With the rise of multi-media platforms online — there is no denying the obvious opportunity for greater sharing and momentum, and there is no better place to start than with the passionate words of a poet. From here the power of the human mind and the human voice combined will be an unstoppable force in creating real and meaningful change in this world.
Photo by Blue Mountains Library
