Individual Presentation or Panel Title
Not My America
Abstract
In the 1950s an American counter-culture of visual artists, writers, and human rights activists opposed conventional society, known today as the Beat Generation. Allen Ginsberg, considered one of the most influential Beat writers, published many literary works during his time. One of the most celebrated poems by Ginsberg, entitled "America", functions as an opposition to militarism, economic materialism, and sexual repression within the nation. My work entitled, “Not My America” is a contemporary response and critique to Ginsberg's proclaimed poem. In my performance, I take key social issues of the 21st century using Ginsberg's poetic style and language through the lens of feminist values integrated through political slam poetry. In comparison to Ginsberg's Beat Generation revolution, millennial counter-culture revolves around central themes of socialism, gender equality, and the rejection of corporate greed. This performance is not to be taken lightly. This piece functions as a cultural battle cry exposing contemporary social injustices in America.
Location
Rathskeller
Start Date
20-4-2013 3:30 PM
End Date
20-4-2013 4:20 PM
Not My America
Rathskeller
In the 1950s an American counter-culture of visual artists, writers, and human rights activists opposed conventional society, known today as the Beat Generation. Allen Ginsberg, considered one of the most influential Beat writers, published many literary works during his time. One of the most celebrated poems by Ginsberg, entitled "America", functions as an opposition to militarism, economic materialism, and sexual repression within the nation. My work entitled, “Not My America” is a contemporary response and critique to Ginsberg's proclaimed poem. In my performance, I take key social issues of the 21st century using Ginsberg's poetic style and language through the lens of feminist values integrated through political slam poetry. In comparison to Ginsberg's Beat Generation revolution, millennial counter-culture revolves around central themes of socialism, gender equality, and the rejection of corporate greed. This performance is not to be taken lightly. This piece functions as a cultural battle cry exposing contemporary social injustices in America.