Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Oughta Be a Woman," June Jordan eloquently examines the unrecognized and immense sacrifices made by women, particularly in the context of domestic and familial roles. The poem vividly portrays the relentless dedication and strength of women who strive to ensure the well-being and success of their families, often at the cost of their own dreams and needs. Through powerful imagery and rhetorical questions, Jordan highlights the disparity between the expectations placed on women and the support they receive.

The poem opens with the image of a woman washing floors to send her child to college and staying at home so her family can feel safe. These actions symbolize the physical and emotional labor that women undertake to provide opportunities and security for their loved ones. The questions posed—"What do you think is the soul of her knowledge / What do you think that makes her feel safe"—invite readers to reflect on the deeper motivations and sacrifices behind these mundane yet profound acts of care.

Jordan continues to depict the woman's silent resilience, as she bites her lips and lowers her eyes to ensure there is food on the table. The contrast between her internal struggle and external composure is stark, emphasizing the emotional toll of her efforts. The rhetorical question about her surprise if the world were as willing as she is able underscores the inequality she faces; her tireless work and dedication are not met with equivalent support or recognition from society.

As the poem progresses, Jordan paints a poignant picture of the woman sitting alone in an old kitchen chair, listening to the hurt and rage of others. This image captures the woman’s role as a confidante and emotional anchor for those around her. The poem questions what she knows of despair and the aching of age, suggesting that her own struggles and vulnerabilities are often overlooked or ignored. This acknowledgment of her pain and endurance is a critical aspect of the poem, as it seeks to give voice to the often invisible burdens carried by women.

The next stanza addresses the societal expectations placed on women, particularly women of color. Jordan points out that fathers, children, and brothers turn to her for support, and "everybody white turns to her," highlighting the intersectional pressures faced by women who are expected to be caregivers and nurturers for all. The line "What about her turning around / Alone in the everyday light" questions when and if she will ever receive the same support and consideration she gives to others.

The refrain "There oughta be a woman can break / Down, sit down, break down, sit down" emphasizes the need for women to be allowed to express their vulnerabilities and to take a break from their relentless duties. This repetition underscores the poem’s central theme: the unfair expectation that women must always be strong and resilient, without acknowledging their own needs for rest and reprieve.

Jordan poignantly describes the woman's courage and bravery as "a way outa no way," a phrase that encapsulates the extraordinary strength required to navigate and survive systemic inequalities and personal hardships. The repetition of "flesh outa flesh" emphasizes the deeply personal and physical nature of her sacrifices. The final lines, "Too much of a task for any one woman," acknowledge the overwhelming and often unattainable demands placed on women, reinforcing the need for societal change and greater support for their efforts.

"Oughta Be a Woman" is a powerful tribute to the often unrecognized strength and sacrifices of women. Through vivid imagery and poignant questions, June Jordan calls for a reevaluation of societal expectations and a greater acknowledgment of the emotional and physical labor that women undertake. The poem is a compelling reminder of the need for equity, support, and recognition of women's contributions both within their families and in broader society.