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WORKSHOP ON RACISM (1), by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

"Workshop on Racism (1)" by Toi Derricotte is a powerful and heart-wrenching poem that delves into the painful realities of racism experienced by young children. Through the specific incident of Briana, a young girl traumatized by being singled out and taunted for her race at school, Derricotte highlights the deep scars that racism inflicts on the psyche of its victims, even from a very young age.

The poem begins with the immediate, emotional response of Briana's mother, who is brought to tears by her daughter's distress. This opening scene sets the tone for the poem, emphasizing the helplessness felt by parents who are unable to shield their children from the cruelty of racism. The mother's attempts to instill pride and a sense of identity in Briana through dolls and black history underscore the importance of representation and education in countering negative societal messages about race. Yet, these efforts are contrasted with the harsh reality that such measures cannot fully protect Briana from the pain inflicted by her peers.

The children's distinction between the two Brianas, choosing to label the poem's subject as "The Black Briana," is a poignant illustration of how racism is learned and perpetuated from a young age. The taunting she faces is not merely a matter of innocent childhood distinctions but reflects a deeper societal issue where "black" becomes a marker of difference and, implicitly, inferiority. Briana's reaction, screaming that she does not want to be "The Black Briana," reveals the internalization of racial stigma and the desire to escape from an identity that has been made to feel like a burden.

Derricotte's statement that "Already at five the children understand, 'black' is not a color, it is a blazing skin," powerfully concludes the poem. This line encapsulates the realization that racism is not about mere physical differences but about the loaded meanings and prejudices attached to those differences. The metaphor of "blazing skin" conveys both the visibility and the targeted nature of racialized identities, suggesting that being black in a racist society is to be constantly under scrutiny and attack.

"Workshop on Racism (1)" is a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of racism and its impact on children, who are forced to confront and navigate these issues far too early. Through the lens of Briana's experience, Derricotte challenges readers to confront the realities of racism and to consider the roles we all play in either perpetuating or dismantling these harmful systems. The poem is a call to empathy, awareness, and action, urging us to create a world where no child has to suffer the agony of being marginalized and demeaned because of their race.


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