"Crayons" - A Poem about Social Change
That I purchased for my son.
They're called People Color Crayons,
With more choices than just one.
And when I look at these crayons
I can't help but imagine how
Our country would be so much better
With more choices than we have now.
The term black, which is often used
Simply does not apply.
Instead I'd rather call myself fawn,
While I look you in the eye.
My husband who is told he's white
Can freely declare to you
That he's actually the color melon
Something not many people knew.
Our handsome and intelligent son
Could then stand up and boast
That he's proud his skin color looks
More like a slice of toast.
Now imagine our new way of thinking
Extended well beyond us three
To every man, woman and child
How liberating that would be.
Some might say they're peach or maize
Others sable, spice or taupe.
With so many colors we quickly learn
Our titles are too narrow in scope.
Now imagine our government leaders
Forced to finally hear our cry
Must publicly admit to everyone
That race was just a lie.
It was created by our fore-fathers
To justify their greed
And plagues our nation to this day
Oppressing those in need.
Our nationwide protest means
We no longer follow the norm
Of being lumped in obsolete categories
On a government census form.
No longer trapped in little boxes
We see each other as peers.
Instead of letting a thin layer of pigment
Dictate all of our fears.
Can a simple pack of crayons
Help create a better country?
I believe a change can happen
And I'll have it begin with me
(This poem was inspired by my work in the Science Museum of Minnesota's exhibit "RACE: Are We So Different?" the exhibit now begins a five-year nationwide tour.)
Published by Deb Pleasants
As a freelance writer and citizen journalist, I have written for both passion and pay. My two favorite types of writing are personal essays and journalism; however, I also enjoy writing flash fiction and po... View profile
- Films that Depict Social Change in a Rock N Roll EraThe 1950's and 1960's represented great economic, civil, and social changes. This era was a time for such changes and a time of the youth.
- How Are Changes in Knowledge Connected to Social Change?This essay will outline a definition of knowledge and how it used in society, social status given to medical knowledge and the problems of producing knowledge and then evaluate three theories produced by social scient...
- Technological Determinism: How Technology Causes Social Change in AfricaTechnological determinism is the principle that simplifies the relation between the cultural and social aspects of a society with the technology present in that specific society.
- Internet will be Used for Powerful Social Change in 2009People are social beings and tend not to do well when isolated. And it is well-established that numbers generally increase strength and productivity. This is just as true in a two-person alliance against a third par...
- Pants on the Ground Lyrics: Bringing Pro-Social Change to the WorldWho would've guessed that American Idol judges would find a superstar in the first round of auditions? General Larry Platt, the author of Pants on the Ground, is bringing prosocial change to the world.
- Functionalist and Conflict Theorist Views of Social Change
- Media & Technology - How it Can Inspire Social Change
- Supporting Positive Social Change
- Natural Disasters and Their Implications for Social Change
- Using the Internet to Promote Positive Social Change
- MySpace: A Place for Non-Profit Organizations & Social Change?
- Black Studies as a Medium for Social Change
6 Comments
Post a CommentGREAT IDEAS ABOUT WRITING A POAM ABOUT THE CANYON !!!!
Hannah and Alyce--I fully agree with both of you.
My box of Crayola's had a "flesh" colored crayon. It was not white like the background of this page. I think our schools need to start teaching children in 1st grade about pigmentation. Have never understood judging people based on skin color or eye shape. That people still do so, shows a lack of education and failure of the US school systems.
We always should remember just how beautiful rainbows are!! Loved your poem..
I absolutely love these crayons; so does my son's teacher.
Great idea! I hope to see some people crayons soon...