Rupi Kaur is an acclaimed poet and author who is heralded for her unique artistic acumen. She has been widely praised for bringing poetry to the modern era, with her works garnering popular and critical acclaim alike. Her honeyed wordsmithing and aggressive, vulnerable outlooks on life have moved many to tears, and her refusal to be silenced or oppressed has inspired countless followers to stand up and fight for their own rights. To answer the question, is Rupi Kaur any good? The answer is a resounding yes.
Relatable themes
One of the most definitive traits of Rupi Kaur’s writing is its relatable themes. Her works concern topics such as the struggle with identity, the effects of mental health struggle, and navigating what it means to be a woman in today’s world. Far from creating self-centered melodrama, her poetic content draws from issues and experiences that many people struggle with and can relate to. Notably, they adapt to effectively break silencing practices, and provide a platform where issues can be discussed openly.
Engaging with culture
In addition to being a poet and author, Rupi Kaur is heavily engaged with issues that concern art, culture and the current cultural landscape. She is a known feminist, and is active in connecting with young women and LGBTQ+ people in order to shape the discussion around their struggles. In addition, she is a huge advocate of Indian-origin arts, which she showcases in her books and social media posts. Here she sheds light on the forgotten figures and stories of cultural importance that often don’t get the airtime they deserve.
Valuing diversity
Rupi Kaur is an advocate for diversity and inclusivity, and this is huge part of her appeal, as her works are able to effectively engage people from all walks of life with their inclusion of minority perspectives and viewpoints. She avoids utilizing tropes such as the ‘white savior narrative’, and tasks herself instead with modernizing outlooks and inspiring people to rid themselves of oppressive mindsets. Her books and social media posts are often reflections of her dedication to inclusivity and her success in this regard can be seen in various accolades she has been awarded for her works.
Global Reach
Another remarkable aspect of Rupi Kaur’s writing is its ability to connect with people from all backgrounds, cultures and nationalities. Her works have been translated into over 29 languages and are available in more than 50 countries. Here she gives a platform for previously unheard stories and takes pride in fostering cultural and literary exchange between different parts of the world. The result if an incredibly wide and diverse readership who come together to discuss and share Rupi Kaur’s works.
Unique writing style
Unlike many contemporary authors, Rupi Kaur diverges away from the lyrical prose of other writers, instead opting for a much less elaborate yet poetic style. Often compared to haikus, her works are concise and direct in her approach, with her writing having a very tangible quality to it. With her words, she strikes right at the heart of what she wishes to express, and allows readers to feel the emotion and power behind them. This is perhaps one of the major reasons why her writing succeeds in gripping her audience and producing an unforgettable impact.
Subverting norms
Rupi Kaur is well-known for utilizing her platform to subvert oppressive systems and break boundaries within the realms of religion and gender ideology. Through her works, she offers platforms for discussion on previously unspoken topics such as oppression against marginalised groups, body image, and women’s issues, as well as a safe space within which even the most vulnerable can develop a sense of empowerment. Her works not only provide a platform for these discussions, but also actively encourage them, often resulting in a powerful, empowering effect.
Breaking silencing practices
Rupi Kaur is active in the fight against silencing practices, and her success in this regard can be seen in the fact that her works have consistently raised issues that were previously unacknowledged and rendered them into accessible, oftentimes widespread, topics of discussion. By expressing topics that were previously taboo and having her works accessible to many, she has effectively broken silence in numerous ways. Additionally, her works serve as an inspiring example of how even the loudest of oppressions can be silenced and a new line of thought can be established.
Primary target audience
Rupi Kaur’s primary target audience is the younger generation. Her works are especially accessible and valuable to them, as they are able to relate to the issues presented and can better access the power behind the words. She is a voice for the issues of not only young women, but also queer and non-binary youth for whom her works provide a sense of relief and camaraderie. As a popular, female artist, her works make her a figure of much admiration with the younger demographic.
Secularism in writing
One of the noteworthy aspects of Rupi Kaur’s works lies in the fact that she often incorporates religious aspects within her statements, yet she opts for an approach that is much more secular in nature than many other poets and authors. Through her works, she reimagines religious elements and presents them through a much more modern, progressive lens. This is especially beneficial to audiences from different faith backgrounds, as her works allow them to feel acknowledged, appreciated and inspired.
