The Only Way to Stop the Ascot-Graspers, or: Unacknowledged Privilege Makes Poetry Matter Less [by Marty McConnell]

Given: We cannot write outside our time. We are invariably and inextricably in and of the times in which we live.

Given: The expansiveness with which we define “our times” and the ways in which we include the experiences of people other than/othered from ourselves in our work is variable and generally well within our conscious control.

Given: The practice of recognizing and including in our art the experiences of people marginalized or threatened in ways that are different from the ways that we ourselves are marginalized or threatened (if we are at all), is a personally, politically, and artistically risky act. The very real dangers of co-optation, appropriation, and/or reinforcing otherness are always present.

Given: We need to do it anyway.

The we I’m speaking of here, in particular, is we the privileged. Those of us with any combination of skin privilege, class privilege, gender privilege – that we.

And there lies a primary challenge: if there’s a we, there’s a they. And it feels dangerous to think in terms of us and them, because that way lies segregation and supremacist thinking -- it would be so much lovelier and rosier just to think and speak of a grand us, a human us.

But to do so is to deny the very real fact that groups of human beings, particularly in our United States, move through the world with vastly different threat types and threat levels, and some conversely with vastly different levels of protection and opportunity. And denying that in our art makes us liars, and contrary to some people’s belief, liars do not make great poets.

So if we’re going to tell the truth of our times in our poems, we need to recognize and examine our privileges and marginalizations, as well as our human connections and commonalities.

To be clear: this is not a call to “give voice to the voiceless” or any of that patronizing artist-as-savior business. People without or with less privilege have voices, make no mistake. Nobody needs us to speak for them.

This is, however, a call to dig deep into the personal and cultural histories that inform and platform and buttress our privilege, and expose those to the world’s bright eye. To examine the intersections between our privileged lives and the lives of those held outside that, particularly where those intersections do not cast us in flattering light. To practice the subtle and necessary balancing act that is speaking up and out in ways that expand the platform for other voices rather than usurping, speaking in place of, or silencing them.

Given: We’re going to fuck this up.

As long as we’re writing out of our own immediate, personal, experience, pretty much the worst we’re doing to do is write a bad poem. No harm, no foul. But the moment we step outside that, things get dangerous.

And well they should: nothing crucial is safe. And safety is a privilege denied to many. It is precisely because we could choose to write within the bubble of our privilege that we must step outside it.

How we do that is up to each of us, and is a topic for another blog. But for now, I’ll say this: all those ascot-grasping essays on “Can Poetry Matter” and “The Death of Art” will continue apace until the poetry that insists on speaking to and of its grimy, shameful and still sometimes tenaciously glorious time, insists on grappling with all the dark and needful complexities of our era, takes a solid, rightful and well-lit place center stage and cover page.

Comments

[b]

Great article that can connect to the events that are happening today.

[M]

Wonderful writing. Your words bring me in and keep me engaged even after I was done reading.

[Alyssa]

The writing was incredible. I was intrigued by the use of greater words.

[Miguel Gutierrez]

Why the use of the word ascot rather than tie? I'm curious about whether this usage has a deeper meaning or if it just sounded better or fit better within the text.

[Jaidah Blakney]

"And well they should: nothing crucial is safe." This line brought the entire piece together for me.

[Johonna Jackson]

I agree that poets and other writers should use their craft to bring attention to the important issues that no one wants to talk about.

[Donat]

good job

[adriana vaca]

I love the word usage in this! The way you use italics to convey your point is spot on and helps me to read this the way you meant it in your mind. *claps*

[Alvi C.]

I agree. I think poetry should focus on less generalized topics and focus on more specific things.

[Syainya]

This was a nice and pleasant short piece to read. I liked the lines and all the "we" and "us" and "them" parts as well. Overall I enjoyed it.

[Kyra Moulton]

The entry really makes you think about the difference between the privileged and the lesser.

[Somebody else]

In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
-Theodore Roosevelt

[Gabe Venegas]

I find your entry to be very important and well stated as you addressed a very real and intense situation. It is very pleasing to know that there are still people willing to take a stand in the correct manner for things they believe in and want to change.

[Mark Eleveld]

Marty McConnell is coming to Joliet West High School tomorrow. We are very excited about her coming, and my AP/Honors Junior classes have been reading her work all day. Marty's writing on April 6 is prophetic to April 29. Voices are needed. People to challenge, and question, and to react. It is not easy. Marty speaks for many of us with a brave, confident, and beautiful message.

[Salma]

How could a poet write, but not lies?
I agree that staying within the comfort zone prohibits many authors, (poet), from exploring different angles, feeling and views. There has to be a better interest in the world.

[Noah Dulski]

What is your take on the recent, violent protests in Baltimore? You have some interesting ideas on how writing should help others and I would be interested to know your reaction to the protests.

[Nicole M.]

Your writing inspires me to become an artistic writer that takes risks. Thank you for your contribution to our society!

[Sydney]

As someone who likes to write as well, I completely agree with the message of this piece. Rather than sticking to safe topics, it is crucial for writers to venture into risky areas. The discrimination issues within the US are a prime example of something that needs to be addressed. Rather than staying quiet or avoiding the subject, we need to discuss it. This was very well-written and totally true. So many people have privileges that they take for granted and people need to start recognizing that.

[somebody else]

In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

[Zack]

Your word use is excellent. It helps bring the piece together.

[Winter]

This was nice piece and well written.

[Christina P.]

I admire your confidence in your writing, and how you encourage others to get out of their comfort zone. Experiencing the real world is certainly something everyone should do.

[not mr.eleveld]

i haz no clue man

[Kaitlyn Sawyer]

This blog post speaks a lot about our society as a whole in the events that are going on throughout the world.

[Samantha]

I enjoyed reading Marty McConnell's piece "The Only Way to Stop the Ascot-Graspers, or: Unacknowledged Privilege Makes Poetry Matter Less". Marty addresses that certain dangers or conflicts in the world are rarely mentioned. I look forward to reading her other work.