Checking Out Me History John Agard

Checking Out Me History: A Deep Dive into John Agard's Poetic Masterpiece

John Agard's "Checking Out Me History" is more than just a poem; it's a powerful statement on the limitations of colonial education and the reclamation of a marginalized history. This article will delve deep into the poem's meaning, exploring its structure, language, and enduring relevance in understanding the impact of historical narratives on identity and cultural preservation. We'll examine the ways Agard uses poetic devices to challenge Eurocentric perspectives and celebrate Caribbean heritage, making it a vital text for students of postcolonial literature and anyone interested in exploring the power of language to shape our understanding of the past.

Introduction: A Missing Narrative

"Checking Out Me History" confronts the erasure of Caribbean history from traditional educational systems. Agard, a Guyanese poet, powerfully critiques the biased narratives presented to students, highlighting the absence of significant figures and events from the Caribbean's rich past. The poem is a protest against the imposed narratives of colonialism, arguing for a more inclusive and representative account of history. It challenges readers to question the perspectives they've inherited and to actively seek out a more complete understanding of the past, specifically the history of the Caribbean and its people. The poem's enduring power lies in its ability to connect with readers on an emotional level, provoking introspection and challenging ingrained assumptions about historical narratives and their impact on identity.

Structure and Form: A Conversational Approach

Agard masterfully employs a conversational tone, creating a sense of immediacy and accessibility. The poem's structure is informal and fragmented, reflecting the fragmented nature of the historical accounts presented to the poet in his youth. The use of Creole dialect is central to this conversational style. He breaks free from formal poetic structures, opting instead for a more direct and engaging approach, making the poem feel like a personal conversation, rather than a formal lecture. This conversational tone draws the reader in, making them a participant in Agard's journey of self-discovery and historical reclamation. The fragmented structure mimics the fragmented and incomplete historical education he received, further emphasizing the poem's central argument.

The poem isn't structured in traditional stanzas; instead, it flows in a series of short, impactful lines, creating a sense of urgency and immediacy. This stylistic choice enhances the poem's conversational feel, making it feel like a spontaneous outpouring of emotion and frustration.

Language and Dialect: A Celebration of Identity

The use of Creole dialect is arguably the most striking feature of "Checking Out Me History." Agard doesn't shy away from the language of his heritage, using it to reclaim his identity and challenge the dominance of standard English. The dialect is not merely a stylistic choice; it's a powerful political act, asserting the validity and beauty of Caribbean languages and cultures. By using Creole, Agard challenges the idea that only standard English is worthy of being used in literature and education, thereby reclaiming the linguistic landscape and its significance in shaping Caribbean identity.

The poem's language is vibrant and evocative, full of imagery that vividly depicts the experiences and emotions of the speaker. The vivid language is not just descriptive but emotionally resonant, allowing the reader to connect with the speaker's feelings of frustration, anger, and ultimately, empowerment.

Key Figures and Their Absence: A Historical Reckoning

The poem specifically names historical figures typically omitted from colonial curricula: Nanny, Queen of the Maroons; Toussaint L'Ouverture, the Haitian revolutionary leader; and others. Their absence is a stark reminder of the systematic silencing of Caribbean voices and achievements. Agard highlights this absence through direct contrast, setting the missing narratives against the over-representation of figures like Sir Francis Drake and Lord Nelson, figures typically glorified in colonial education.

• Nanny: Her omission from history books represents the erasure of powerful women and resistance movements in the Caribbean. Agard emphasizes her importance as a symbol of defiance and strength, reclaiming her legacy from the obscurity imposed upon her by the colonial narrative.

• Toussaint L'Ouverture: His role in the Haitian Revolution, a significant moment of liberation from colonial rule, is similarly overlooked. Agard's inclusion of L'Ouverture emphasizes the importance of understanding the struggles for independence and self-determination within the Caribbean.

• Other Unsung Heroes: The poem's implicit message extends beyond the specific individuals named. It's a call to remember all the unnamed heroes, the countless individuals who contributed to the rich tapestry of Caribbean history but were systematically excluded from the dominant narrative.

The Power of Repetition and Rhetorical Questions: Driving Home the Message

Agard's use of repetition and rhetorical questions is key to the poem's effectiveness. The repeated phrase "dem tell me" underscores the imposed nature of the historical narratives presented to him. This repetition emphasizes the pervasive influence of colonial viewpoints and the constant bombardment of incomplete and biased information.

The rhetorical questions throughout the poem force the reader to confront their own assumptions about history. Questions like "Who teach dem dat?" challenge the reader to consider the sources and biases shaping their understanding of the past. These questions are not merely rhetorical; they're a call to action, urging readers to actively seek out a more complete and accurate understanding of history.

The Transformation and Reclamation of History: A Personal and Collective Journey

The poem's trajectory is one of transformation. It starts with frustration and anger at the skewed historical narratives, but it culminates in a sense of empowerment and self-discovery. Agard reclaims his history, not just for himself, but for all those whose stories have been silenced. This personal journey of reclamation becomes a collective one, inviting the reader to participate in this process of re-evaluation and understanding. The poem ultimately celebrates the resilience and richness of Caribbean culture, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and celebrating diverse historical experiences.

The Enduring Legacy: A Call for Continual Re-evaluation

"Checking Out Me History" remains relevant today because the issues it raises—historical bias, the power of language, and the importance of inclusive education—continue to resonate. The poem acts as a call to action, urging readers to critically examine the historical narratives they have internalized and to actively seek out a more complete and accurate understanding of the past. It encourages ongoing dialogue about the representation of marginalized communities in historical accounts and the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives in education. This is crucial not only for a proper understanding of the past but also for fostering social justice and inclusivity in the present.

FAQ: Addressing Common Questions

• Why is Creole used in the poem? The use of Creole is a deliberate and powerful choice. It reclaims a language often marginalized in formal settings, celebrating its beauty and asserting its validity as a means of expressing complex ideas and emotions. It reflects the poet's identity and challenges the hegemony of standard English.

• Who are the "dem" referred to in the poem? "Dem" refers to the forces of colonialism and the educational system that perpetuated biased historical narratives. It's a broad term encompassing those responsible for the incomplete and distorted view of history presented to the poet.

• What is the significance of the poem's title? The title "Checking Out Me History" suggests an active process of investigation and reclamation. It's not passive acceptance of a pre-determined narrative but a deliberate act of questioning, exploring, and ultimately, owning one's history.

• How does the poem relate to postcolonial theory? The poem is a key text in postcolonial studies, illustrating the lasting impact of colonialism on identity, language, and historical narratives. It demonstrates the strategies used by postcolonial writers to reclaim their histories and challenge the dominant narratives imposed upon them.

• What is the poem's lasting impact? "Checking Out Me History" has had a profound impact on literature and education. It has inspired countless discussions and analyses, prompting a re-evaluation of historical narratives and the importance of inclusive education. It continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the need to challenge biased perspectives and celebrate the diversity of human experiences.

Conclusion: A Poem for Generations

"Checking Out Me History" is not simply a poem; it is a potent call for historical accuracy and the recognition of diverse cultural narratives. Its accessible language, powerful imagery, and conversational tone allow it to transcend academic boundaries, making its message accessible to a broad audience. The poem's enduring power lies in its ability to challenge, inspire, and ultimately, empower. It invites readers to engage in a continuous process of self-reflection, historical analysis, and the celebration of untold stories, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and understood. It serves as a timeless reminder that history is not a monolithic entity, but a complex and ever-evolving tapestry woven from diverse perspectives and experiences. John Agard's masterpiece continues to resonate, shaping our understanding of history, identity, and the enduring power of poetic expression.