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Poetry's Hand In Shaping A New Nation

  • February 17,2021 

Poetry is an art that has shaped America greatly since it’s beginning. This influence has been pioneered by many talented and influential artists and pieces. This series will breakdown and trace the hearths of poetic influences in America. 

Poetry has been a foundational aspect of American culture, whether we recognize it or not. Trademarked names like “Dunkin’ Donuts” and everyday idioms like “it’s raining cats and dogs” are a testament to the fact that poetry is all around us. This art has recently been reintroduced to mainstream media as an effect of poet Amanda Gorman’s performance at the 2021 presidential inauguration. 

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Photo obtained from IndieWire

Before her inauguration performance, Gorman made poetry history by being the first National Youth Poet Laureate in 2017. Ever since then, she has been sharing her poems on larger platforms, mainly consisting of themes including activism, oppression, feminism, race, and discrimination. On stages of Kelly Clarkson and elite government officials, she has given the community of upcoming youth poets in America a fresh face.

Gorman’s ability to inspire the masses became apparent after her performance at the Inauguration this year on January 20th. Her poem that encouraged unity among the nation to take action against injustices amassed millions of views on social media, allowing her messages to be discussed at dinner tables and national offices. Her powerful words have been recognized by big names, such as Ellen DeGenerous and Trevor Noah. With her already becoming the first poet to perform at the Super Bowl this year, Gorman continues to push poetry into mainstream culture and uses that to incite change in others.

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