Be warned. Some of these poems have spicy language in them. But hey, slam poetry & spoken word is kind of a Postmodernist thing!
This is Taylor Mali. He's one of the most famous slam poets in America. I bet you can't figure out why I love this poem so much! This is full of irony and a dash of paranoia.
Here is Rudy Francisco's spoken word performance of "Complainers." Consider his use of maximalism and fragmentation here when you watch his inspiring, energizing presentation!
Oh, come on. You knew there would be some Epic Rap Battles of History in here. I love the pastiche and historiographic metafiction elements of this one, combining historical events with Marvel comics. Perfect.
[Content Note in description below.]
This is spoken word called "Dear Anxiety" by Clayton Jennings. It is a powerful account of his overcoming anxiety, and it uses Postmodern elements of metafiction and intertextuality/pastiche. I tear up when I watch him. This one is heavier, so [CN - it addresses mental health issues, religion] skip this one if you think it's inappropriate for you.
I watched Clayton Jennings’s speech and one of the things that caught the most attention for me was the portrayal of his character. The fact that he comes in and leaves the same person with the same problems I think adds to the hopelessness of society. I think it also points to the fact that not all action is helpful because you can‘t help a person who doesn’t want help. At first you think this person is speaking his heart, but then you find the truth that it was only his imagination. I thought it was interesting that at one point in the monologue the room is empty. This was the first hint that the person was not speaking publicly but only thinking in his mind. He was lonely. The last transformation is the Anxiety Support Group into Anxiety Supportless Group. It’s a disappointing turn of events for what seemed like a promising group.
Legolas 3rd
I watched Clayton Jennings’s speech and one of the things that caught the most attention for me was the portrayal of his character. The fact that he comes in and leaves the same person with the same problems I think adds to the hopelessness of society. I think it also points to the fact that not all action is helpful because you can‘t help a person who doesn’t want help. At first you think this person is speaking his heart, but then you find the truth that it was only his imagination. I thought it was interesting that at one point in the monologue the room is empty. This was the first hint that the person was not speaking publicly but only thinking in his mind. He was lonely. The last transformation is the Anxiety Support Group into Anxiety Supportless Group. It’s a disappointing turn of events for what seemed like a promising group.
I watched this video today and thought it fit in.