Political Haiku

Left. Right. We never

let the other side finish.

Can't we all just get

Megan Thoma and the Current Big Debate

If you're interested in a varied and ongoing conversation about the validity of criticism in a populist venue (read: poetry slams), white privilege, and victimization, start off here and here, then go friend Sonya Renee Taylor on Facebook and read her response to the second post here, then read Megan's third post here, then read Megan's response to everything here.

High points: A number of thoughtful considerations of how race is interwoven, even subconsciously, with our conceptions of what constitutes effective art. A number of thoughtful considerations of the place of victimization as a tool to either increase awareness and thereby try to end it or propagate it for shock value.

Low points: A wish for no more poems about race/rape/lesbians. A suggestion that physical violence is an appropriate response to a strong critique.

Surfing the Web

Anybody else think this is a horrible mixed metaphor?

Brandeis gig

I just got the call to play a gig at Brandeis University. On March 9th I'll lead a workshop from 8-9pm, watch the open mic, give my featured performance, and then host the slam, which will consist of the Brandeis team vs 1-3 visiting teams. I haven't played a college/university gig in a while - this should be a blast!