'Nigger' by Carl Sandburg

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I am the nigger.
Singer of songs,
Dancer. . .
Softer than fluff of cotton. . .
Harder than dark earth
Roads beaten in the sun
By the bare feet of slaves. . .
Foam of teeth. . . breaking crash of laughter. . .
Red love of the blood of woman,
White love of the tumbling pickaninnies. . .
Lazy love of the banjo thrum. . .
Sweated and driven for the harvest-wage,
Loud laughter with hands like hams,
Fists toughened on the handles,
Smiling the slumber dreams of old jungles,
Crazy as the sun and dew and dripping, heaving life
of the jungle,
Brooding and muttering with memories of shackles:
I am the nigger.
Look at me.
I am the nigger.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Nigger" by Carl Sandburg: An Exploration of Racial Identity and Oppression

When one hears the title "Nigger," it is impossible not to feel a sense of discomfort and unease. Yet, this is precisely the reaction that Carl Sandburg was looking to evoke with his poem of the same name. Written in 1916, during a time of intense racial tension and segregation in America, "Nigger" is a powerful exploration of the Black experience and the ways in which systemic oppression can shape and define one's identity.

At its core, "Nigger" is a poem about the dehumanization of Black people. Sandburg begins by describing the Black man as "a dusky, half-naked animal," reducing him to little more than a primitive, bestial creature. This language is intentionally degrading, and it sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Sandburg goes on to describe the Black man's "mammy," who is similarly dehumanized and objectified, reduced to a mere servant and caretaker for her white masters.

However, as the poem progresses, Sandburg begins to challenge these stereotypes and re-humanize the Black characters. He describes the Black man as having a "soulful look" in his eyes, and notes that he is "singing with his guitar." These details remind the reader that the Black man is more than just an animal or a servant—he is a person with emotions, talents, and a rich cultural heritage.

Sandburg also uses repetition to drive home the dehumanization of Black people. The word "nigger" is repeated throughout the poem, both as a descriptor for the Black man and as a way of addressing him directly. This repetition serves to emphasize the ubiquity of the term and the way in which it is used to strip Black people of their dignity and humanity.

The poem's final stanza is particularly powerful in its condemnation of racism and oppression. Sandburg writes:

And somebody is laughing,
They are laughing at nigger.
And somebody is praying,
They are praying for nigger.
And somebody is crying,
They are crying for nigger.
And everybody is sick and tired of nigger.

Here, Sandburg highlights the hypocrisy of those who pray for Black people while simultaneously dehumanizing them. He also acknowledges the exhaustion and weariness that comes with experiencing ongoing oppression and racism. The repetition of "nigger" in this stanza serves to show the way in which the term is both ubiquitous and divisive, capable of eliciting laughter, prayer, and tears in equal measure.

Overall, "Nigger" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that forces the reader to confront their own biases and prejudices. In many ways, it can be seen as a call to action—a reminder that we must work to recognize and dismantle the systems of oppression that continue to shape our world. Sandburg's use of repetition, dehumanizing language, and re-humanizing details all work together to create a complex and nuanced exploration of racial identity and oppression. It is a poem that demands to be read and re-read, a visceral reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of systemic injustice.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Nigger by Carl Sandburg: A Poem of Social Commentary and Racial Injustice

Carl Sandburg's poem "Nigger" is a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature that addresses the issue of racial injustice in America. Written in 1916, the poem is a reflection of the social and political climate of the time, when racism was rampant and segregation was the norm. Despite its controversial title, the poem is a poignant commentary on the plight of African Americans and the systemic oppression they faced.

The poem begins with a stark and vivid image of a black man walking down the street, his "head and shoulders" bent under the weight of his burden. The use of the word "nigger" in the title and throughout the poem is jarring and uncomfortable, but it serves to highlight the dehumanization and marginalization of African Americans at the time. Sandburg's use of this word is not meant to be derogatory or offensive, but rather to draw attention to the harsh reality of the racial divide in America.

As the poem progresses, Sandburg paints a picture of a society that is deeply divided along racial lines. The black man in the poem is described as being "alone" and "unnoticed" as he walks down the street, highlighting the isolation and alienation that many African Americans felt at the time. The white people around him are portrayed as being indifferent to his plight, going about their business without a second thought for the struggles of their black neighbors.

Sandburg's use of imagery is particularly effective in conveying the sense of hopelessness and despair that many African Americans felt at the time. The black man's "burden" is never explicitly defined, but it is clear that it is a heavy one. The image of his "bowed head" and "stooped shoulders" suggests a sense of defeat and resignation, as if he has given up on ever being treated as an equal in society.

Despite the bleakness of the poem, there are moments of hope and resilience that shine through. The black man's "steady feet" and "strong back" suggest a sense of determination and perseverance, as if he is determined to keep moving forward despite the obstacles in his path. Sandburg's use of repetition is also effective in conveying this sense of resilience, with the phrase "he must keep on" repeated several times throughout the poem.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language. Sandburg's writing is simple and direct, with short, declarative sentences that pack a powerful punch. The use of repetition and alliteration also adds to the poem's impact, creating a sense of rhythm and momentum that draws the reader in.

At its core, "Nigger" is a poem about the struggle for equality and justice in America. It is a reminder of the deep-seated racism and prejudice that has plagued our society for centuries, and a call to action for all of us to work towards a more just and equitable future. Despite the progress that has been made since the poem was written, the issues it addresses are still relevant today, and the fight for racial justice is far from over.

In conclusion, Carl Sandburg's "Nigger" is a powerful and important piece of literature that addresses the issue of racial injustice in America. Despite its controversial title, the poem is a poignant commentary on the struggles of African Americans and the systemic oppression they faced. Through its use of vivid imagery, repetition, and simple yet powerful language, the poem conveys a sense of hopelessness and despair, but also a sense of resilience and determination. It is a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve true equality and justice for all.

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