What is A Sense of Regard: Essays on Poetry and Race?
A Sense of Regard: Essays on Poetry and Race (published by Duke University Press in 2018) is an anthology edited by Terrance Hayes, a poet and professor at the University of Pittsburgh. The anthology explores the complexities of race through essays, poetry, and art. In the introduction, Hayes maintains that “racism is, and has always been, more complicated than the sum of hate, more intricate than the sum of violence.” He argues that race must be examined as something that constantly changes, shifts, and evolves over time, using multidimensional approaches. In the foreword, Claudia Rankine (who is the author of Citizen: An American Lyric) puts the anthology in context for readers, providing a general overview of it and connecting it to the current moment.
Emily Bernard, Peter Grandbois, and Joy Harjo
Though this book is diverse in its focus and content, some of its strongest pieces come from three dedicated contributors: Emily Bernard, Peter Grandbois, and Joy Harjo. Emily Bernard’s essay titled Brothers, is an exploration of what it means to have a brother while existing in two racist societies at once. She talks candidly about the racism she faced as a child and how it impacted her relationship with her brother. Peter Grandbois’ essay When We Write About the West examines the history of racial violence in the American West, which receives far less attention than other parts of the country.
In her essay, Joy Harjo looks back at her childhood experiences of living on land whose original inhabitants had been replaced by white settlers. This essay is also a larger examination of how race intersects with storytelling and the land. Her essay brings in elements of history, story, personal experience, biography, and spirituality in a way that opens up possibilities for readers to think about their own relationship to the land. All these pieces have a deep emotional resonance that makes them stand out; the personal connections drive home the reality of racism and its impact on individuals and communities.
Different Types of Writing
The anthology features writing of many kinds: poetry, fiction, memoir, literary criticism, and personal essays. One of the most interesting pieces is a speech given at the funeral of a young black writer. In this speech, which is included in the third section of the book, we hear testimony from the writer’s community about the importance of his life, and the weight of his loss. This is a powerful reminder of literally how words can be used to fill a sense of loss, by giving voice to the sorrow of the writer’s community.
The poetry in the anthology is particularly powerful. It tackles difficult topics such as violence against women, racism, slavery, and black identity. The poems are emotionally charged and uncompromising in their portrayal of racism. For example, one poem titled “for Trayvon Martin” uses striking images to bring out the pain and injustice of the situation, while another poem titled “The Violence of Love” uses striking language to expose the ways in which love can be used as a weapon of violence.
Visual Art
Throughout the book, there are also illustrations by two graphic designers. These images depict everyday scenes of life in the African American community, such as the beauty of a black couple in the kitchen and the power of a large African American gathering, or a mother and son sharing an embrace. Each image gives a glimpse at an intimate moment of life, making it both personal and powerful. The illustrations add to the overall atmosphere of the work and a provide a break from the intensity of the words.
Race, Power, and Oppression
In A Sense of Regard, many of the stories, poems, and essays focus on the power dynamics of race. The book examines how racism is rooted in the structures and systems of power, and how it is perpetuated unconsciously and unknowingly. For example, one essay looks at civil rights initiatives and why their impact is often short-lived even though they are successful in the moment. There are also several essays that focus on how racism can manifest as subtler forms of oppression, including implicit bias and microaggressions.
Critical Analysis
A Sense of Regard: Essays on Poetry and Race is a powerful anthology that uses creative and literary tools to examine race in a nuanced and complex way. It forces readers to confront difficult truths and reflect on their own beliefs and biases. The anthology is expansive and thought-provoking, drawing attention to the many ways in which race shapes our lives and urges readers to think deeply about it. It’s an absorbing compilation that brings together an impressive range of voices and ideas for an insightful and important look at racism today.
Language and Emotion
Throughout the anthology, language is used in powerful ways to evoke emotions and draw the reader in. Whether it’s the poetry that expresses anger, sadness, or joy, or the essays that tell stories of resilience and survival, each piece of writing is visceral and full of feeling. The language creates a sense of urgency for readers, forcing them to confront the realities of racism in the present day and pushing them to consider their own role in it.
The Legacy of Slavery
Many of the pieces in this collection focus on the legacy of slavery and colonialism in the United States. From personal accounts of being descendants of slaves to examinations of how white supremacy is perpetuated, this anthology brings an important voice to the conversation around these weighty topics. Through its emphasis on storytelling, A Sense of Regard shows how an in-depth understanding of our collective history is necessary in order to move forward.
Conclusion
A Sense of Regard: Essays on Poetry and Race is a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of race in America. By looking at racism and race through poetry, art, and essays, this powerful anthology offers readers an incredibly meaningful and informative look at these topics. From stories of resilience and survival to critical analysis of power dynamics, A Sense of Regard is a masterful exploration of race and racism in America.
