no problem Flashcards
language
Idioms – The speaker utilises several commonplace British
idioms throughout the poem. Idioms are terms in which the
meaning is not deducible from the individual word meanings.
They are often old terms, from a time in which word
meanings different. The speaker employs several of these, for
example ‘pigeon hole’ and ‘chip on my shoulder’ to
demonstrate how unfathomable some of the prejudicial, long
outdated views towards black people are.
context
Dub Poetry – Most of Zephaniah’s work is
described as dub poetry, a formal of oral
performance poetry that is sometimes recited
alongside music. This type of poetry typically
draws on the rhythms and rhetoric of reggae music. Often,
these poems are used to highlight social or political causes.
Zephaniah’s poems often deal with ideas of institutionalized
racism. Despite their often serious message, many of
Zephaniah’s dub poems contain hope or humour.
structure
– Each section of the poem is led by the refrain ‘I
am not de problem?’ (or in the final case, ‘Black is not de
problem’). The first stanza is largely jovial, mockingly
referring to some of the stereotypical attitudes that he has
had to contend with. The second stanza is slightly more
serious, and reveals the key message about British society.
how the conflict is presented
The problem lies with those who perpetrate this abuse. The speaker explains how he was subjected to racist behaviour at school.
