Confused!

By AP

They say racism is dead,
But every day I have a target on my head.
Why, when they define the color black or
Brown, they align it with dirty.
But they connect the color white with pretty.
Tell me how is the younger generation ‘pose
To survive,
When the one who are suppose to protect them
Are taking their lives (police)
Tell me, how can they believe in religion,
When they’re raping, and murdering the same
Women who gave birth to the future children.
Every day they say we aren’t a country to cause
Harm,
Then we literally kidnapping kids from their
Mother’s arms.
How can this be the land of the free, and the
Home of the brave,
When they’re using the prison system as a
Modern day slave trade to get paid
What happen to the Dream of Dr. King,
Of every race coming together and
Connecting like a ring.

13 Comments

  1. yenny G on May 12, 2020 at 4:30 PM

    Hello AP, very strong poem relating to the sad world we live in today.

  2. carlos guzman on May 13, 2020 at 1:25 AM

    Hello AP!

    your poem is very deep! you speak from a perspective in which society has placed you in at the bottom of the food chain, and it really hurts to see. I agree with you, the values of this country are based on freedom of speech and liberty with justice for all, but it is far from our reality. Unfortunately, racism and racial profile are still very prominent.

    I agree when you say we are a country which has seen so much change and transition towards equality in all of it history with the help of revolutionary leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King. It is a shame all the work our past leaders put in to create change only to be forgotten in recent history.

    It is sad to see how brown and black people are being targeted, slaughtered and disregarded. It is more disturbing such storied don’t get the proper press until people come together to protest for justice. It makes me sad when so many people die to injustice and they don’t have to opportunity at a long-healthy life.

    I really enjoyed this poem and I give you kudos for the message you are sending. I hope nothing but the best for you and wish you all the happiness in the world!

  3. Kiara on May 13, 2020 at 4:35 PM

    I definitely felt every word and bit of emotion you put into this poem. With everything going on in the world this poem speaks nothing but volume/facts. I feel like this poem would get noticed if it was broadcasted a bit more on social media apps such as, Twitter or Instagram. A lot of people would definitely feel the same as you. The world is a scary place and it’s only getting worse. Racism will never be dead because there are just some people who can’t get that hate out of their heart to try to get to know someone different than their own kind.

  4. Jaycee Silva on June 19, 2020 at 2:43 PM

    Incredible words. This poem flows with realness of what America is and I say racism has never died. Your words make we want to fight harder for the injustices in our country.

  5. Catherine on June 23, 2020 at 8:03 AM

    Thank you for sharing this powerful piece! You pose some of the most important and relevant questions we need to answer today in your poem and encourage you to write more pieces like this!

    You do an excellent job of pointing out the social injustices that exist in our society, where much progress still must be made, but I am confident in our younger generations to lead the charge, and to disrupt and permanently change the downward spiral of injustices that have existed in our society for generations.

    I hope for a world like Dr. King envisioned.

  6. Alex on July 1, 2020 at 10:34 AM

    I think the first line of this poem is excellent, racism in this country is far from dead and people need to know that. Relating racism back to police also says a lot and I think its a good focal point of the poem.

  7. McKenna Gebhardt on September 26, 2020 at 7:25 PM

    AP, I hear you. These words are so powerful. This world today is so upsetting and disappointing. Your writing is so valid and authentic. I am so thankful to have read your words. This writing inspired me to do even more for our communities and work toward a better country. Please do not give up, you are so strong.

  8. Kellyn Toombs on September 29, 2020 at 7:09 PM

    This poem is very powerful, especially in light of recent events in the United States. Not only is it well-written, but it can be used as a tool to teach others about the discrimination that so many people still face in our country today. I would love to see more poetry from you about social justice in the future.

  9. N. B. on October 15, 2020 at 5:27 PM

    Thank you for articulating what many Americans are feeling right now and highlighting the unfortunate reality that racism is alive and well in this country. You hit on a lot of important points, including racial stereotypes, the generational effects of racism and discrimination, police brutality, discriminatory incarceration, the enduring legacy of slavery, and “the great American hypocrisy.” Thank you for using your poetry skills to write about something so important.

  10. Martina on November 11, 2020 at 3:33 PM

    AP,
    What a beautiful poem, your message rings true. We live in a country plagued by white supremacy, until we come to terms with the past and present we will not make systemic change. This country needs to do better, we must recognize the systems and racist policy still harming those in our country. We are not free until all are free. Thank you for the reminder to keep fighting, that racism still is alive, that the lie we are being treated equally needs to come to light so only then can we truly create a more equitable country. Keep writing, your words have power. You deserve to be heard.

  11. Julia on November 9, 2021 at 9:37 PM

    Hi AP,

    I really enjoyed your poem and felt that the delivery of you message was strong. The detail of your word choice also adds to this messaging.

  12. Justin Lambert on July 19, 2022 at 3:51 PM

    I understand what you mean. From a young age we are taught to devalue our own skin color and it has become so deeply embedded in the DNA of this country that we almost become complacent in fighting against it. That is why I am glad to have people like you that can keep writing in order to remind us that we still have much work to do and changes need to be made.

  13. Laura on February 14, 2023 at 8:26 AM

    Hi AP,
    Wow. What a beautiful poem you have written. The message you conveyed through your intricate word choice is extremely powerful. It is clear how much emotion you put into this piece. You are right; we need to do better. It is not fair to anyone suffering from racism to feel like this. Thank you for fighting for justice in this powerful poem. You will make a change and be heard. I hope to read more from you soon.

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