When Black and Brown people become poets, we are fighting against history
(HB, p. 160)
The feminist killjoy as poet considers how we need new forms of expression to communicate our killjoy philosophy. Ahmed counsels us not to take her literally when she says poetry, but rather to think about what makes it possible for us to express (“press out”) our thoughts and feelings.
“Book it:” Read HB chapter 5. Discuss what Ahmed means by the feminist killjoy as poet. In many ways, the chapter emphasizes the threats and obstacles to the poet’s act of “making.” Why is the feminist killjoy as poet such a revolutionary concept for oppressed feminists? (Think, “power” – but be specific from the chapter!) On pages 180-181 Ahmed shares Audre Lorde’s distinction between poetry and rhetoric. Reading this carefully, and reflecting on it, discuss what the difference is and elaborate on the power of “poetry” in its broadest sense.
“Live it:” In the chapter, Ahmed plays on the word “express,” explaining that it is about “pressing out” thoughts and feelings. Re-read pages 176-182, starting with the killjoy truth: those who don’t fit the old forms need to create their own forms. How does this sentiment show up in your everyday life? What issues/feelings/thoughts are most difficult to express (“press out”)? Lorde uses poetry, what forms of expression do you find most effective? What new forms have you created for yourself? (Screaming into a pillow kinda counts! Especially as a “self-care”/killjoy survival tip.)
“Make it:” In Kamp Krystal Killjoy episode 1 I included Langston Hughes’ poem Tired. For me, it captured the sentiment also captured by Angela Davis in the title of one of her books – Freedom is a Constant Struggle. With the roll-back of Roe v. Wade, specifically, feminists get the sense of fighting the same injustices over, and over again. Using the first sentence of Hughes’ poem as a prompt - I am so tired… - write your own poem expressing your feelings about the current socio-political atmosphere in the United States. Feel free to explore other forms/media, not just poetry (but really, Ahmed has told us that lots of things can be poetry!!).
