This poem fucking disgusted me. Because every word was true. As a Black man, I've heard that "I don't date Black girls" shit from fellow Black men an infuriating number of times, as well as the surprised looks thrown my way when I tell them my preference is for Black girls. So much ignorance among us. They really did well teaching us to hate ourselves, didn't they? It's gotta be soul crushing - as Black people we become privy to the matrix early; we learn to expect that kind of scorn an rejection from others, but from your own? From the ones who are supposed to be YOUR rock, if no one else's? That must really sting. Damn. We gotta do better. "To be woman and Black is to be magic. It is to be the witch that wouldn't burn." So much truth in that line. Sistas, y'all ARE magic. Y'all are more than that, y'all are life itself. And if anybody says different, they're out their mind.
Rawrlor lmao first its 70% of black women are single, now 90% of us are married!?. and of 90%, just how frequently are black folks actually getting married?
Thank you! It is pretty upsetting to see so much degrading of blk wmn from black men. Think of how blk women who don't want to date outside their race must feel hearing this on a regular basis.
Rawrlor LIes, all lies and I would never, ever follow a Black man who is partnered up with and procreating with a non-black woman. The only thing he can do is provide for the cause financially and give his signature if need be. And if he don't want to do that, then screw him.......we don't need or want Black men like that anyways. Just like no man can serve two masters, no man can fully be of service to his community and someone else's.
LET THEM KNOW! I expect men to have preferences, but I'll never respect a Black man that dislikes & degrades Black women in order to show he favors something else.
PleaseExcuseUs I hope you also look at black women who put down and belittle black men with disdain as well. It goes both ways. They taught us this self hatred which exists in both genders. Despite the fact that majority of black men DO date black women and vice versa, the self hatred still exists. These ladies put some truth out there, I just hope instead of anger and resentment we find ways to uplift eachother instead of fighting back with aggression. That type of shit just drives us further apart.
jjind it was degrading and stereotyping.. i am not a black lady.. and i was offended.... the asinine.. will always think that 1 ..or many. spoiled apples .....ruins the entire barrel... and there are way too MANY.... non pink males.. who believe the madness. welfare.. posted..... it's only until they date.. procreate.. marry a non black female... .. do they realize.. that women .. no matter the color.. can be bitchy.. bossy.... with an attitude.. loud.. and argumentative.. ... when pushed.... angered... tired... .provoked... hormonal... etcetera... if you want to believe statistics.. sweetie.. pink chicks.. are inflicted with domestic violence.. at the same rates. if not higher than everybody else... and what is like the number one.. reason.. why a male.. box his women??.. well one.. of the excuses i heard.. and read... is ..the woman was.... argumentative... so again color.. race.. has nothing to do .. with how a woman wants to behave!!!!..... and then he goes to mention.. that black females are fluffy.. .. when .. the entire.. world.. has stamped on his chest... *i am black.. and I LOVE FAT PINK CHICKS*....?... to me that is pure COMEDY!... anyway.... .. in one point in time....i had the misfortune of... dating an american black male...notice... i use the word male.. and not man... and for the month of being with him guess.. what he did... ?????....each time we walked in the street he will go... look she is rolling her eyes at us... she got an attitude.. she MAD...... etc..... etc... etcetera.... when in the reality ... NOT one black lady.... was giving a piece of shit about us..... he really wanted somebody..... to look at us... throw hate our way... that he imagined the shade was on us ....each time we were in the sun.. not a day went by that he didn't say.. something.... negative about a lady who shared the.... color of his mother!... i think he.. and a lot of black males.. feel that this is something they have to do.. while in the relationships with non black ladies... tear down black women.. to lift the other woman up.... after explaining to this male..... to please to remember ...that i am Cuban.. my esteem is high already enough.....so i don't need anybody .. trying to put others down.. in an attempt to lift me up... i had to kick his ass out ...of my universe with the quickness.... because.. you see me???..i don't need that negative ....bullshit in my life!!!!... and i wonder... if black american males... or blacks no matter the ethnicity... . realize.. that there are... massive amounts of reason.. that their..... counterparts can go use.. as to why they don't want you... but for some reason... they keep giving you people chance.... i guess because they realize.. that one .. or maybe even MANY spoiled apples...doesn't ruin the entire barrel...be blessed
CreamyButta wait.. i made the mistake.. of assuming welfare .. was black... i don't know what he/she is.. ...can't care actually.. because.. my truths... are still valid.... be blessed
jjind but just as he has had bad experiences with black women, doesn't denounce that she or other black women haven't had bad experiences with black men as well. An eye for an eye kind of thing.
Still powerful. "To be women and black is to be the first and last person to love yourself" "I grew up learning how to protect men who hate me" so sad but true 😢😢😢
@@s0lth885 It is deeper than preference. Preference would be just going about your life and dating who you want...it goes beyond preference when you treat others like they are less than, and you do not value them as human beings in the way you would value others.
Being a dark skinned teenage girl nowadays, I receive a lot of shit. My friends always tell me how flawless and unique my skin is, like it's their job, like I'm insecure about the way I was made. I don't need anyone to tell me, especially some close minded boy, that I'm beautiful. Because I know.
Not really, I'm sure she finds it flattering but after the 100th time it simply becomes patronizing. Clearly, you a black women didn't care much about what she said because after reading her comment, you followed up with a statement about her looks rather to discuss what she said. She doesn't need to hear that her melanin slays right now, just to be heard. The irony here is amazing, it really is.
"I grew up learning how to protect men who hate me." "To be Black and a Womyn is to be resilient. My very existence is Defiance" Such a powerful Poem, it gave me chills! "College students Crystal Valentine and Aaliyah Jihad teamed up to recite the poem, and Button Poetry posted a video of their performance to RUclips on Sunday, July 19. "Puerto Rican, Italian, Bajan, Thai -- I know they want me to be everything I'm not," the poets powerfully recite together at one point during the performance explaining the misogyny, colorism, and constant pressure to be more "exotic" looking that black women face. The poem perfectly encapsulates the reality of being a black woman, highlighting how ironic it is that while black men make black women feel undesirable, black women are also on the front lines of civil rights issues that affect black men -- and rarely getting any credit for it." #BlackWomynlivesmatter
Shawna Sherice I took it to mean as the mothers of some of these "exotic" women are Black but these type of Black men don't see this connection and how asinine their logic is, when putting down Black women. Like when that rapper said he doesn't like dark skinned women because of their black butts. He thought he was giving a compliment to lighter skinned women but forgot to consider their dark skinned mothers, aunties, and sisters with his color struck comments.
T. L. I thought so initially however, from my experience I received worse treatment and it tore me down to concerning levels. Not only was I an African American female of Caribbean descent, I was considered to be Haitian, African or Jamaican - not that I have anything against any of these places I found the very beings that I loved did not love me back because of my 'blackness' and it hurt! This presentation hit a soft spot. And I still believe its Beijing, lol!
I'm a black male and I completely agree with them. It's OK to like other races but to dislike and degrade your own kind is unacceptable. Personally, I like black women the most and I honestly couldn't imagine myself dating/marrying someone who isn't black
I had to stop and process this because it moved me to tears. There are no words. My heart absolutely breaks for all these beautiful black women who go through this every damn day. History is full of ugliness that many of us are aware of but keep hidden. This piece....wow. Just wow.
Tony Williams Yeah, are you saying that BW don't "own" BM when your Black asses are being shot by the police? Are your White, Asian, and Latina women going to be there for you? Tony, you mistakenly think that we care who and what you date, but the truth of the matter is that no matter how much you "date out," you and your ilk are still bitter. Date whom you want, Tony. There's no love lost. Black males like you add nothing to the diaspora; in fact, you are the weakest link, those other women you date are much more deserving of us than Black women. Live well and prosper, "brutha."
Tony Williams you hate to see us in pain, but your first comment is basically fuck Black women, you'll continue to date everyone but us. No, you love and get off seeing Black women in pain and try to wound us any chance you get. Just be honest with yourself if not us.
They don't need knowledge they are better looking than most women our society idolizes. Watching an excess of porn featuring blonde people doesn't mean everyone else in society will go along with your porn preferences based on objectification.
This was a necessary piece to be delivered. I feel that as black women we often feel that we have to prove our worth, our value, our intelligence, our capabilities, and our most positive qualities because we're attacked, mocked and dehumanized so much. We're especially attacked in the media and entertainment. The point is that we have immeasurable value, incredible worth, unmatched beauty and much more to offer the world than anyone could imagine. We are dynamic, we are precious. We are strong, we are resilient. We are intelligent, we are trend setters. We are creative, we are brave. We are loving, we are nurturing. We are and since it seems like too much to ask that the world recognize our worth, it'd be great if the men who look closest to us could. Til then, my fellow black sisters, shine anyway.
I've seen and watched a lot of poems written by and for Black women but this is the very first one that really made me tear up. This just felt so real. I have a Black male friend who is very open and vocal about not liking Black women. I am Asian and he told me he prefer Asians than Black, but White is at the top of his preference list. He also mentioned that he could maybe date a mixed girl. What these two women said on their poem is pretty much the same things my guy friend told me, in one way or another. Now I am thinking about linking this video to him to make him realize some things. I don't want to change him because it is his personal preference afterall, but the things I couldn't say to him in fear of creating a misunderstanding, i hope he finds in this poem.
hght Exactly, but my thought is it won't sink in. Men like TheChinky88's friend are just as in the dark about their mindset as racists are about theirs.
TheChinky88 I encourage you to send the link and have an open conversation with him about why you feel his attitude, not his "preference," is harmful and problematic. Because ultimately, having a "preference" should not lead you to hate another group of women.
TheChinky88 Honey, the only thing you can do is stay away from this guy and warn other non-black women. If you need more examples of self hating Black males disregarding Asian women, look no further than Tiki Barber - who left his Asian wife, for a 20 something year old blond haired, blue eyes, pale skinned white woman, when she was 8 months pregnant.
This is my dad. always putting white women, especially Scandinavian women, on some fucking pedistal despite having 3 black daughters and a black wife (although they are now divorced). He's always insulting black women around me. telling me how they look like 'drag queens' and always talking about that 'single black mum' stereotype. I swear as the days go by, I just lose respect for him. Absolutley disgusting.
Wow Your own father behaves this way? He is inflicting his hatred and internalised racism onto you. Girl you stay strong and be proud of who you. Don't let his twisted thoughts capture you too
It was very brave for these two women to go and openly speak about the way black men have been treating & disrespecting black women. Not only online but in the real world. It is ridiculous how many black men truly hate black women & spend hours on RUclips slandering them & bullying women they don't even know.
Before Button Poetry came along, I had never heard the written word spoken In such a way. I had never heard emotion such as what I hear in this poetry and the poetry I have listened too before this one. It is so 'real' so 'raw' and so.... dragged out of the depths of a hurt soul...............I cry......each time.......I cry....
I think as black women we just have to do our thing and be happy and love ourselves. I've been doing a lot of color therapy and wearing pink a lot and I notice I have been getting a lot of attention from men of other races.
I agree with this poem very much and I.might add that when a black woman dates outside the race black men dont like it but these are the same black man who dont like black women so to me it seems as if black man just doesn't want black women to be happy.
It's funny because by having displayed this misogynistic ignorance for everyone to see, at the expense of their female counterparts, Black men have only embarrassed and disgraced themselves, tbqh. Asian, White, Mestizo-Latin women wouldn't have to recite poems like this because their men do not ridicule them for the world to see. Whatever may be going on in their homes in private, non black men are smart enough to know how to 'front', in terms of how they want the world to see them and their race/women. Not only that but they're too busy making moves and money to be using their women as a scapegoat for why they ain't shit and why they are weak. In the UK - and I'm pretty sure it is the same in the States, Turkish, Asian and even Caucasian men from Eastern Euro countries have an array of businesses that cater to their own (and even their own banks). In the States, it is Black women who are succeeding academically and snatching up business after business...while their male counterparts are too busy complaining about hair weave and why the black woman is 'holding him back'. Black American women, I commend you. Keep making your moves and doing great. The world, deep down, knows how innovative and amazing you guys are.
This is why black women need to support other black women because if we do not black men will piss on us.(not all) but I will never understand the dislike and disrespect black men show black women, why??? It is us who love and care for you. Too sad!!!
OMG I loved this. It gave me chills. I shared it on every medium I could. To be, not just black, but a dark skinned black woman. I understood every bit of this poem. Protecting men that hate you. Wanting to be lighter. Believing you're simply ugly because of your skin. Because of things you cannot control. Omg yes. I watched this back to back. I love this. And I thank the two young women for putting it in such beautiful bold words.
Story of my life. I love me a dark chocolatey man. They, in general, dont like me. The ones that do, most of the time (in my personal experiences) they are already taken. I am not a mistress so there is a conflict of interest. I've heard it all. You're Pretty, For a Black Girl You're Nice, For a Black Girl You're Funny, For a Black Girl You're Sweet, For a Black Girl You're Cool, For a Black Girl You're Fun to hang out with, FOR A BLACK GIRL. If those describe who I am, why is that not good enough? I tell myself its because I'm boring though. Makes me feel better.
ayamejoy Who says they don't love black women just because they may not be interested in a particular one? You'll find many black women who have rejected black men, does it mean black women don't love black men?
This is too real. I've struggled with self-esteem all my life and I thought things would get better as I got older. However, as I have begun to fully realize just how much ignorance and hatred gets directed at Black women in a Eurocentric society, I'm just starting to feel worse and worse about myself. I am working on ignoring negativity that I encounter so I can begin to fully love myself, but it's so hard sometimes. Beautiful performance!!
This poem describes my own brother's viewpoint on dating black women. my mom told him to write what he hated about black women and send it to every woman in our family. he never did it...
+*kyla* strawberry right. Quick question? Do you have a problem with BW. Or do you just lack empathy for us!? I've noticed you've commented a lot on others as though you just show no remorse at all. No feelings.. No understanding. Are you ok? How are you?
"..i grew up learning how to protect men who hate me" "..is to be the witch that wouldn't burn." Every line cast a spell on my skin and now I'm waiting my goosebumps to calm down.
I freaking love crystal valentine, her voice makes me cry, and this poem was so strong and moving that I had to take a minute to relax from being so hyped over this beauty
i've lost count on how many times i've watched this today since coming across it on Tumblr... so powerful... the very same way people preach that black love is not white hate but white supremecy is definitely about black hate; they forget to notice that a black woman's understanding of the black man's preference to date outside his race is fine, but he does it at the expense of downgrading black women; looking for everything she's not... black women date outside our race usually due to attraction, and love and the limited selection we have of black men that actually appreciate us; but ask a black man why he dates other races- the answers are mostly always about a black woman's "attitude" or wanting "pretty" babies... smh
Benjamin X seeing as you felt the need to respond to my comment, you should know i can respond back in any way I choose to; it is a public forum. My "blanket statements" come from ACTUAL conversations and comments that i've heard time and time again.... if you disagree with my statement, that's fine; as human beings, we can all agree to disagree; if i "annoy you" with my response, maybe you shouldn't open yourself to such responses
Natasha Angelique 1.) where in my comment did i say i would get annoyed :/ 2) I know it's a public forum, tht's why i came to you with respect instead of shaming your comment
Benjamin X i dnt make a note of posting anything without having some facts behind it. And the fact that I and many have experienced, and what i've heard come from the very mouths of most men is that yes, the preference of dating outside your race is fine if that's who you're attracted to and find love with; but there's never the need to downplay, disrespect or outcast those you aren't attracted to or let that be the reason why you feel the need to date elsewhere
Natasha Angelique Very well..I agree with you on that....BUT not every black men who has a preference of a woman who is non-black downgrades black men....Although you said it was based on your personal experience......Reading your initial comment would make others think otherwise
I don't live in the US, so I haven't experienced this first hand, but I have come across it numerous times online. African Americans need to understand they're living in a racist society and how it effects them. For bm to bash bw and date other women it's like they're trampling bw to get one step higher on the imaginary social scale. There's nothing wrong with mixed relationships (love=love), but to say black women are the worst by definition and white women (and those who resemble them) are the best is white supremacy thinking. To bash darkskin women and praise lightskin women derives from slavery times, since back then having lightskin meant you have white blood and were of more worth than those who did not. How can you bash women for having two black parents? Skin color doesn't define character, beauty or worth! Wake up my brothers and sisters!
I've been bingeing these videos. They need to be heard and listened to, and they are important. These people are beautiful important, and they have the world in their hearts.
this poem is so powerful I started tearing up. Black people especially black women, we get hate from every where, our own community, all around the world. It's just sad
Cried because I had people either tell me this or just say it conversation without regard for what it was saying about me. Or how it would make me feel. My black is beautiful but sometimes it is really hard to see it when the world disregards it so much. Black men have it hard but often times I feel like the struggle of the black women is invisible to the rest of the world.
These Sistas are speaking TRUTH. I just hope that the ones who really need to hear this, not only hear it, but process it, and build the corrective action needed to change what these Sistas are speaking on. I'm helping to spread the word about this and yes, I'm a Brother who is married to a Nubian Queen and loves, admires, and is truly in awe of the awesome BETTER HALF: The Black Woman.
As a young black male seeing things like this transpire from the side, this kind of thing just hurts to see. People in general so quick to show such animosity toward each other. How bruthas and sistas can come up with all sorts of reasons to not even bother dating someone of their own ethnicity. I hate seeing all of this. Racial barriers plunged so deep that even our own inner community is affected by it. It's sickening.
Tissan Young Sir, the truth is that black women will NEVER abandon black men. Perhaps that is the problem. Our loyalty is being taken for granted. We will "ride or die" for black men, but never truly demand reciprocity or respect. We can't demand that our brothers do better. To do so would mean to put up with charges of being "angry black women" or "feminists". Ain't nobody got time for that!
***** Let me add we will never abandon Black men because we can't. We birth them. So it doesn't matter if we tip toe off to procreate with another racial group, the truth is if we have children they will be Black too. It's our job then as mothers is to show them how to love themselves in this crazy world we live in.
T. L. See sista there you go, you're logic is strange. You can't promote black unity and support interracial mixing at the same time. That straddling the fence. You can't (shouldn't) promote IR, but then display anger at black men. Thats like you're my woman I tell you its ok to sleep around, but claim i love you and upset with what you're doing. TAKE A STANCE AND STICK WITH IT. If you interracial be interracial, if you believe in fixing this crisis then stay true
Carbon Wrath Did I reply to you because I can't remember? I can do and think whatever I choose, thank you. Do you recognize President Obama as a Black man? He is sure treated like one even with his White half mixed in.
“I grew up learning how to protect men who hate me,” This poem struck such a cored with me I wasn't even expecting to get this emotional hearing this poem.
This is REMARKABLE! Everyone who likes this piece should download it and play it in their cars and Bluetooth speakers. I know I'll be doing it. I love Black Women no matter wherr they are in the world. I'll always love black women. And when I'm ready, hopefully in this lifetime, I'll attract the one who is specifically designed for me. Meaning the one I'm SUPPOSED to be with. If not, maybe next lifetime.
love this poem it's very honest and transparent.granted there are black men out there that genuinely love black women but they have unfortunately become a rarity .I personally believe that black women should open up their options and be more open minded to interracial relationships themselves 💗
This poem is amazing and brings up so many good points and topics. I hope they continue to do such amazing things with their words, I love this so much!
When black women rise, black men need to let go of the ego and rise with us. when black women die at the hands of the police our black men need to be just as vocal and outraged and out there protesting for her. when black women cry or feel unsafe, the black man should be our savior and protector, respecting us and defending us from other men. when black women say, we love you....the black men need to learn to forgive and stop cursing and blaming us for their demise. we need each other, but not at the cost of the black woman's soul!
im2krunk unfortunately you are right. They still blame us for so-called running with the white feminist, but that actually have the story wrong. And the NOI and the Black Panther Parties glossed over the importance of the black woman years ago and let our men believe that we were defiant and decided to leave the civil rights cause. We never left....we needed to be included. Marcus Garvey wasn't by himself writing...when he was jailed his wife took over, wrote for newspapers and edited his books and wrote in his books.
Kamina P. Richardson Exactly Marcus Garvey got it, because he knew of the Ethiopian history and of Africa. He wasn't corrupted with misogyny like USA born black men. He understood the importance of black women in our liberation. Malcolm X grew up a Garveyite and was going in that direction when he branched off from the NOI. This government pulled the plug along with them fake NOI followers and ended Malcolm's life. That was the last of black manhood we have witness in this country.
"I grew up learning how to protect men who hate me."
This is all too real.
+Kelechi Alfred Black Women = OH HELL NAW, I'M GOOD !!!!! said: Black Men
this hit me hard
Din din
*****
TooBlakRG Ha my weave isn't white, it's 100% pure Indian hair.
Mama told me to never trust a man who finds beauty in every race but his own.
Charlie Ivy Yessss! Preach! Never trust a Black man that don't value his own.
DAMN! that's real talk right there!
Worship REBECCA you obviously are insecure so imma let what u jst said slide
Worship REBECCA exhibit a
Does valuing a black women mean you have to be with one?
This poem fucking disgusted me. Because every word was true. As a Black man, I've heard that "I don't date Black girls" shit from fellow Black men an infuriating number of times, as well as the surprised looks thrown my way when I tell them my preference is for Black girls. So much ignorance among us. They really did well teaching us to hate ourselves, didn't they? It's gotta be soul crushing - as Black people we become privy to the matrix early; we learn to expect that kind of scorn an rejection from others, but from your own? From the ones who are supposed to be YOUR rock, if no one else's? That must really sting. Damn. We gotta do better. "To be woman and Black is to be magic. It is to be the witch that wouldn't burn." So much truth in that line. Sistas, y'all ARE magic. Y'all are more than that, y'all are life itself. And if anybody says different, they're out their mind.
i21meerkat Thank you, brother! It's men like you who matter. The other ones don't...at least to me.
Rawrlor lmao first its 70% of black women are single, now 90% of us are married!?. and of 90%, just how frequently are black folks actually getting married?
Thank you! It is pretty upsetting to see so much degrading of blk wmn from black men. Think of how blk women who don't want to date outside their race must feel hearing this on a regular basis.
Why thank you!... ☺️
Rawrlor LIes, all lies and I would never, ever follow a Black man who is partnered up with and procreating with a non-black woman. The only thing he can do is provide for the cause financially and give his signature if need be. And if he don't want to do that, then screw him.......we don't need or want Black men like that anyways. Just like no man can serve two masters, no man can fully be of service to his community and someone else's.
LET THEM KNOW! I expect men to have preferences, but I'll never respect a Black man that dislikes & degrades Black women in order to show he favors something else.
I totally agree with you.
PleaseExcuseUs I hope you also look at black women who put down and belittle black men with disdain as well. It goes both ways. They taught us this self hatred which exists in both genders. Despite the fact that majority of black men DO date black women and vice versa, the self hatred still exists. These ladies put some truth out there, I just hope instead of anger and resentment we find ways to uplift eachother instead of fighting back with aggression. That type of shit just drives us further apart.
jjind it was degrading and stereotyping.. i am not a black lady.. and i was offended....
the asinine.. will always think that 1 ..or many. spoiled apples .....ruins the entire barrel... and there are way too MANY.... non pink males.. who believe the madness. welfare.. posted.....
it's only until they date.. procreate.. marry a non black female... .. do they realize.. that women .. no matter the color.. can be bitchy.. bossy.... with an attitude.. loud.. and argumentative.. ... when pushed.... angered... tired... .provoked... hormonal... etcetera...
if you want to believe statistics.. sweetie.. pink chicks.. are inflicted with domestic violence.. at the same rates. if not higher than everybody else...
and what is like the number one.. reason.. why a male.. box his women??..
well one.. of the excuses i heard.. and read... is ..the woman was.... argumentative... so again color.. race.. has nothing to do .. with how a woman wants to behave!!!!.....
and then he goes to mention.. that black females are fluffy.. .. when .. the entire.. world.. has stamped on his chest...
*i am black.. and I LOVE FAT PINK CHICKS*....?... to me that is pure COMEDY!...
anyway.... ..
in one point in time....i had the misfortune of... dating an american black male...notice... i use the word male.. and not man...
and for the month of being with him guess.. what he did... ?????....each time we walked in the street he will go... look she is rolling her eyes at us... she got an attitude.. she MAD...... etc..... etc... etcetera....
when in the reality ... NOT one black lady.... was giving a piece of shit about us.....
he really wanted somebody..... to look at us... throw hate our way... that he imagined the shade was on us ....each time we were in the sun..
not a day went by that he didn't say.. something.... negative about a lady who shared the.... color of his mother!...
i think he.. and a lot of black males.. feel that this is something they have to do.. while in the relationships with non black ladies...
tear down black women.. to lift the other woman up....
after explaining to this male..... to please to remember ...that i am Cuban.. my esteem is high already enough.....so i don't need anybody .. trying to put others down.. in an attempt to lift me up...
i had to kick his ass out ...of my universe with the quickness....
because.. you see me???..i don't need that negative ....bullshit in my life!!!!...
and i wonder... if black american males... or blacks no matter the ethnicity... . realize.. that there are... massive amounts of reason.. that their..... counterparts can go use.. as to why they don't want you...
but for some reason... they keep giving you people chance....
i guess because they realize.. that one .. or maybe even MANY spoiled apples...doesn't ruin the entire barrel...be blessed
CreamyButta wait.. i made the mistake.. of assuming welfare ..
was black... i don't know what he/she is.. ...can't care actually.. because.. my truths... are still valid....
be blessed
jjind but just as he has had bad experiences with black women, doesn't denounce that she or other black women haven't had bad experiences with black men as well. An eye for an eye kind of thing.
SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK
I'm pretty sure they're white boyfriends heard :)
098lennox I’m pretty sure that you don’t understand the concept of how to use their, they’re, and there :)
098Lennox This is directed at black men not white men.
098Lennox your stupidity is showing
Still powerful. "To be women and black is to be the first and last person to love yourself" "I grew up learning how to protect men who hate me" so sad but true 😢😢😢
@@s0lth885 It is deeper than preference. Preference would be just going about your life and dating who you want...it goes beyond preference when you treat others like they are less than, and you do not value them as human beings in the way you would value others.
As a 16 year old black male I find this video amazing.
❤️❤️❤️
You are so special
Same
Damnn you 22 now
@@whoami1175 😂😂😂
Being a dark skinned teenage girl nowadays, I receive a lot of shit. My friends always tell me how flawless and unique my skin is, like it's their job, like I'm insecure about the way I was made. I don't need anyone to tell me, especially some close minded boy, that I'm beautiful. Because I know.
Your melanin slays bby😊💕
The King That is true it seems like shes doing that.
+M U V A H M A Y A People expect you to have low self-esteem? It's laughable.
🙌🏾✊🏾
Not really, I'm sure she finds it flattering but after the 100th time it simply becomes patronizing. Clearly, you a black women didn't care much about what she said because after reading her comment, you followed up with a statement about her looks rather to discuss what she said. She doesn't need to hear that her melanin slays right now, just to be heard. The irony here is amazing, it really is.
"I grew up learning to protect men who hate me" was a very powerful line.
"I grew up learning how to protect men who hate me."
"To be Black and a Womyn is to be resilient. My very existence is Defiance"
Such a powerful Poem, it gave me chills!
"College students Crystal Valentine and Aaliyah Jihad teamed up to recite the poem, and Button Poetry posted a video of their performance to RUclips on Sunday, July 19.
"Puerto Rican, Italian, Bajan, Thai -- I know they want me to be everything I'm not," the poets powerfully recite together at one point during the performance explaining the misogyny, colorism, and constant pressure to be more "exotic" looking that black women face.
The poem perfectly encapsulates the reality of being a black woman, highlighting how ironic it is that while black men make black women feel undesirable, black women are also on the front lines of civil rights issues that affect black men -- and rarely getting any credit for it."
#BlackWomynlivesmatter
They are brilliant.
Same here i was like man
Huda Ahmed Loved it as well however they can't possibly mean Bajan...as a Bajan, we are black....I believe they mean Beijing
Shawna Sherice I took it to mean as the mothers of some of these "exotic" women are Black but these type of Black men don't see this connection and how asinine their logic is, when putting down Black women. Like when that rapper said he doesn't like dark skinned women because of their black butts. He thought he was giving a compliment to lighter skinned women but forgot to consider their dark skinned mothers, aunties, and sisters with his color struck comments.
T. L. I thought so initially however, from my experience I received worse treatment and it tore me down to concerning levels. Not only was I an African American female of Caribbean descent, I was considered to be Haitian, African or Jamaican - not that I have anything against any of these places I found the very beings that I loved did not love me back because of my 'blackness' and it hurt! This presentation hit a soft spot. And I still believe its Beijing, lol!
I'm a black male and I completely agree with them. It's OK to like other races but to dislike and degrade your own kind is unacceptable. Personally, I like black women the most and I honestly couldn't imagine myself dating/marrying someone who isn't black
BLACK LOVE MY BROTHER
My very existence is defiance.
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Maggy hope That was my favorite line.
Maggy hope Someone put that on a t-shirt quick!
At this point and time in our history, Black Men loving Black Women is a Revolutionary act.
🤣🤣🤣😂🤣😂😂🤣🤣😂🤣🤣😂🤣🤣
That's a beautiful way to put it.
I had to stop and process this because it moved me to tears. There are no words. My heart absolutely breaks for all these beautiful black women who go through this every damn day. History is full of ugliness that many of us are aware of but keep hidden. This piece....wow. Just wow.
Artie Mack thank you so much for your words brother ❤️
Thank You 💖
'i grew up learning to protect men who hate me" i love that line. good stuff and well spoken.
Brigeddia Poet Hey Brigeddia😍💙
I don't understand it
@@gabriellameattray9778it means grew up learning to protect black men even though they[not all] hate black women
I'm crying... that was beautiful.
Tony Williams Um, good for you? I don't remember either them or I expressing that in any way.
Tony Williams Yeah, are you saying that BW don't "own" BM when your Black asses are being shot by the police? Are your White, Asian, and Latina women going to be there for you? Tony, you mistakenly think that we care who and what you date, but the truth of the matter is that no matter how much you "date out," you and your ilk are still bitter. Date whom you want, Tony. There's no love lost. Black males like you add nothing to the diaspora; in fact, you are the weakest link, those other women you date are much more deserving of us than Black women. Live well and prosper, "brutha."
Tony Williams Why are you even here?
Tony Williams Well you should be roaming #whitegirlsdoitbetter? I think the more valid answer is you are trolling this territory.
Tony Williams you hate to see us in pain, but your first comment is basically fuck Black women, you'll continue to date everyone but us. No, you love and get off seeing Black women in pain and try to wound us any chance you get. Just be honest with yourself if not us.
If this doesn't make you feel something you aren't human.
The most attractive thing in a person is knowledge. You guys have knowledge and your both smart and strong.
Amen
Tbh it's physical looks.
They don't need knowledge they are better looking than most women our society idolizes. Watching an excess of porn featuring blonde people doesn't mean everyone else in society will go along with your porn preferences based on objectification.
GOT ME SHOOK. GOOSEBUMPS AND ALL. WATCHED IT THREE TIMES IN A ROW. TOO GOOD.
HHAHAHHAHA I'm mixed. The profile pic is just an aesthetic pic. But at least you had the confidence to guess!
I'm South African mixed Samoan :)
your beautiful
Cosmo Kitten thank you! same goes to you xx
This was a necessary piece to be delivered. I feel that as black women we often feel that we have to prove our worth, our value, our intelligence, our capabilities, and our most positive qualities because we're attacked, mocked and dehumanized so much. We're especially attacked in the media and entertainment. The point is that we have immeasurable value, incredible worth, unmatched beauty and much more to offer the world than anyone could imagine. We are dynamic, we are precious. We are strong, we are resilient. We are intelligent, we are trend setters. We are creative, we are brave. We are loving, we are nurturing. We are and since it seems like too much to ask that the world recognize our worth, it'd be great if the men who look closest to us could. Til then, my fellow black sisters, shine anyway.
Yes! What she said
J Cori # Black Girls Rock
*****
You do realize that most black women are raised to stand by black men, no matter what the cost? It's not so black and white(pun intended).
***** I believe she is speaking of everyone else not black men. Society.
You seem to speak with a lot of vitriol. Is this personal for you?
"To be black and woman and alive is to be resilient."
"I want an educated woman. I'm not talking book smart, I'm talking sheet smart... a woman who understands the actual purpose of her mouth." BOOOOOMMM
I've seen and watched a lot of poems written by and for Black women but this is the very first one that really made me tear up. This just felt so real. I have a Black male friend who is very open and vocal about not liking Black women. I am Asian and he told me he prefer Asians than Black, but White is at the top of his preference list. He also mentioned that he could maybe date a mixed girl. What these two women said on their poem is pretty much the same things my guy friend told me, in one way or another. Now I am thinking about linking this video to him to make him realize some things. I don't want to change him because it is his personal preference afterall, but the things I couldn't say to him in fear of creating a misunderstanding, i hope he finds in this poem.
TheChinky88 Your friend has internal issues. Is your friend dark-skinned?
hght Exactly, but my thought is it won't sink in. Men like TheChinky88's friend are just as in the dark about their mindset as racists are about theirs.
TheChinky88 I encourage you to send the link and have an open conversation with him about why you feel his attitude, not his "preference," is harmful and problematic. Because ultimately, having a "preference" should not lead you to hate another group of women.
TheChinky88 Honey, the only thing you can do is stay away from this guy and warn other non-black women. If you need more examples of self hating Black males disregarding Asian women, look no further than Tiki Barber - who left his Asian wife, for a 20 something year old blond haired, blue eyes, pale skinned white woman, when she was 8 months pregnant.
Rawrlor That makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the wake up call.
This is my dad. always putting white women, especially Scandinavian women, on some fucking pedistal despite having 3 black daughters and a black wife (although they are now divorced). He's always insulting black women around me. telling me how they look like 'drag queens' and always talking about that 'single black mum' stereotype. I swear as the days go by, I just lose respect for him. Absolutley disgusting.
Wow
Your own father behaves this way? He is inflicting his hatred and internalised racism onto you. Girl you stay strong and be proud of who you. Don't let his twisted thoughts capture you too
My dad is the same. I'm his only black kid out of 6 , everyone else is mixed *this isn't my picture*. I always felt so bad about that .
Some of you need to acknowledge black beauty instead of trying to justify your prejudice towards black women. Great poem by the way!!
It was very brave for these two women to go and openly speak about the way black men have been treating & disrespecting black women. Not only online but in the real world. It is ridiculous how many black men truly hate black women & spend hours on RUclips slandering them & bullying women they don't even know.
Every black person needs to see this.
Powerful. The truth can be disgusting sometimes.
Before Button Poetry came along, I had never heard the written word spoken In such a way. I had never heard emotion such as what I hear in this poetry and the poetry I have listened too before this one. It is so 'real' so 'raw' and so.... dragged out of the depths of a hurt soul...............I cry......each time.......I cry....
+Vicki Olson BEAUTIFUL RESPONSE VICKI...BLESSINGS
As a black woman, I don't care if black men don't date black women. That's on them. Black men or any other man doesn't define me.
***** It doesn't define me either, partly because I have always been interested in dating men of any race.
I think as black women we just have to do our thing and be happy and love ourselves. I've been doing a lot of color therapy and wearing pink a lot and I notice I have been getting a lot of attention from men of other races.
***** What the heck is color therapy, LOL?
Candace Dawn www.deeptrancenow.com/colortherapy.htm
Candace Dawn I know I laughed too but it's just about how your personality connects with different colors.
I agree with this poem very much and I.might add that when a black woman dates outside the race black men dont like it but these are the same black man who dont like black women so to me it seems as if black man just doesn't want black women to be happy.
Seriously tho
Jamari Davis Generalizations!! woo! -_-
wow a non black person said this?
THE RAGE THE POWER THE KNOWLEDGE. ITS ALL LOVE.
VIVA MY BLACK POWERFUL AND PROUD SISTERS!
I grew up learning to protect men who hate me. I felt this. 🙌🏿
I ain't protecting they're ungrateful ass no more.
"I grew up to learn to protect men who hate me" when I tell you this hits home😓
It's funny because by having displayed this misogynistic ignorance for everyone to see, at the expense of their female counterparts, Black men have only embarrassed and disgraced themselves, tbqh. Asian, White, Mestizo-Latin women wouldn't have to recite poems like this because their men do not ridicule them for the world to see. Whatever may be going on in their homes in private, non black men are smart enough to know how to 'front', in terms of how they want the world to see them and their race/women. Not only that but they're too busy making moves and money to be using their women as a scapegoat for why they ain't shit and why they are weak. In the UK - and I'm pretty sure it is the same in the States, Turkish, Asian and even Caucasian men from Eastern Euro countries have an array of businesses that cater to their own (and even their own banks). In the States, it is Black women who are succeeding academically and snatching up business after business...while their male counterparts are too busy complaining about hair weave and why the black woman is 'holding him back'. Black American women, I commend you. Keep making your moves and doing great. The world, deep down, knows how innovative and amazing you guys are.
Oh wow this sure refutes my comment.
mzChocoSensualHedbob You are such a hypocrite. Stereotype and demonize black men, while praising other races. The very thing you complain about.
Awww you remember me?? I haven't been on here properly in a while. I'll be checking out your vids soon. I've missed them.
Not really. My boyfriend is black.
That is so sweet. And yes I will. I promise.
This is why black women need to support other black women because if we do not black men will piss on us.(not all) but I will never understand the dislike and disrespect black men show black women, why??? It is us who love and care for you. Too sad!!!
Jackie Walkes Then they act as if we are making it up.
“I grew up learning how to protect men who hate me.” POWER IN THAT LINE❗️❗️
"MY VERY EXISTENCE IS DEFIANT!"
Dr Francis Cress welsing said we have to be defensive
Asé
That was the most potent line for me 💯
now repeat after me.. BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL!
This video gave me chills.
OMG I loved this. It gave me chills. I shared it on every medium I could. To be, not just black, but a dark skinned black woman. I understood every bit of this poem. Protecting men that hate you. Wanting to be lighter. Believing you're simply ugly because of your skin. Because of things you cannot control. Omg yes. I watched this back to back. I love this. And I thank the two young women for putting it in such beautiful bold words.
They were really passionate
Story of my life. I love me a dark chocolatey man. They, in general, dont like me. The ones that do, most of the time (in my personal experiences) they are already taken. I am not a mistress so there is a conflict of interest.
I've heard it all.
You're Pretty, For a Black Girl
You're Nice, For a Black Girl
You're Funny, For a Black Girl
You're Sweet, For a Black Girl
You're Cool, For a Black Girl
You're Fun to hang out with, FOR A BLACK GIRL.
If those describe who I am, why is that not good enough? I tell myself its because I'm boring though. Makes me feel better.
ayamejoy loving someone who doesn't like you is just STUPID...talk about Stockholm.
ayamejoy Who says they don't love black women just because they may not be interested in a particular one? You'll find many black women who have rejected black men, does it mean black women don't love black men?
John Mansa you are in serious denial. i mean, you just don't get it.
orange moonglows I really do.
This needs more views...it deserves more views...
This is too real. I've struggled with self-esteem all my life and I thought things would get better as I got older. However, as I have begun to fully realize just how much ignorance and hatred gets directed at Black women in a Eurocentric society, I'm just starting to feel worse and worse about myself. I am working on ignoring negativity that I encounter so I can begin to fully love myself, but it's so hard sometimes. Beautiful performance!!
This poem describes my own brother's viewpoint on dating black women. my mom told him to write what he hated about black women and send it to every woman in our family. he never did it...
MultiBeastmode13 Lol, your brother needs to learn to see the beauty in black women.
*kyla* strawberry I'm a black man thoooo
+*kyla* strawberry right. Quick question? Do you have a problem with BW. Or do you just lack empathy for us!? I've noticed you've commented a lot on others as though you just show no remorse at all. No feelings.. No understanding. Are you ok? How are you?
*kyla* strawberry That’s what you got from that? Smh
"I grew up learning how to protect men who hate me."
Yes, ladies, poets, yes. Sound the alarm. Yes. xxx
I can't stop watching this
I can't watch this again. Im crying because everything they said was so true. To be the witch that wouldn't burn. So powerful.
i have learned to protect men who hate me
So very true
"..i grew up learning how to protect men who hate me" "..is to be the witch that wouldn't burn."
Every line cast a spell on my skin and now I'm waiting my goosebumps to calm down.
Why are there black men in the comments tryna down play all the issues this poem brings up? What could you possibly have to argue with?
"I grew up learning how to protect men hating me." Wow....just wow, so true.
+West Adams tf you talking about
I freaking love crystal valentine, her voice makes me cry, and this poem was so strong and moving that I had to take a minute to relax from being so hyped over this beauty
Black women constantly standing up for and protecting black men yet black men love to step on black women, finally women are speaking out about it
Black women will forever be known as a grace of beauty they are the queen the true queen
“Their hearts and their knuckles”. Mannnnnnnnnnn. What the fuckkk. The talent here. Incredible.
"I grew up protecting men that hate me...." Fuuuuuuucccccccckkkkk. This whole poem...... I'm in awe
the fact that this was 5 years ago and it still happens in 2021 hurts :/
Will always love and protect black women
This poem is magic. God-sent. I can't stop watching this. Bless these girls and all black women who know this feeling
i've lost count on how many times i've watched this today since coming across it on Tumblr... so powerful... the very same way people preach that black love is not white hate but white supremecy is definitely about black hate; they forget to notice that a black woman's understanding of the black man's preference to date outside his race is fine, but he does it at the expense of downgrading black women; looking for everything she's not... black women date outside our race usually due to attraction, and love and the limited selection we have of black men that actually appreciate us; but ask a black man why he dates other races- the answers are mostly always about a black woman's "attitude" or wanting "pretty" babies... smh
Natasha Angelique your making quite a bit of blanket statements there smh.....and PLEASE dont get defensive or annoyed to quick- it's unnecessary to
Benjamin X seeing as you felt the need to respond to my comment, you should know i can respond back in any way I choose to; it is a public forum. My "blanket statements" come from ACTUAL conversations and comments that i've heard time and time again.... if you disagree with my statement, that's fine; as human beings, we can all agree to disagree; if i "annoy you" with my response, maybe you shouldn't open yourself to such responses
Natasha Angelique 1.) where in my comment did i say i would get annoyed :/
2) I know it's a public forum, tht's why i came to you with respect instead of shaming your comment
Benjamin X i dnt make a note of posting anything without having some facts behind it. And the fact that I and many have experienced, and what i've heard come from the very mouths of most men is that yes, the preference of dating outside your race is fine if that's who you're attracted to and find love with; but there's never the need to downplay, disrespect or outcast those you aren't attracted to or let that be the reason why you feel the need to date elsewhere
Natasha Angelique Very well..I agree with you on that....BUT not every black men who has a preference of a woman who is non-black downgrades black men....Although you said it was based on your personal experience......Reading your initial comment would make others think otherwise
This was a very well done piece. Well done ladies.
I don't live in the US, so I haven't experienced this first hand, but I have come across it numerous times online. African Americans need to understand they're living in a racist society and how it effects them.
For bm to bash bw and date other women it's like they're trampling bw to get one step higher on the imaginary social scale. There's nothing wrong with mixed relationships (love=love), but to say black women are the worst by definition and white women (and those who resemble them) are the best is white supremacy thinking.
To bash darkskin women and praise lightskin women derives from slavery times, since back then having lightskin meant you have white blood and were of more worth than those who did not. How can you bash women for having two black parents? Skin color doesn't define character, beauty or worth! Wake up my brothers and sisters!
SupraSoulStar !YES!
SupraSoulStar I don't understand how black men can say they don't like people... who look exactly like them like? it makes no sense
I've been bingeing these videos. They need to be heard and listened to, and they are important. These people are beautiful important, and they have the world in their hearts.
I'm in tears, every word cut through me like a knife becuz its true...Thank you queens for the Holy Breath
You ladies are incredible. What a flawless poem. :)
this poem is so powerful I started tearing up. Black people especially black women, we get hate from every where, our own community, all around the world. It's just sad
Say it louder for the people in the back!! This poem is 100% true! I'm so tired of black men who slander black women.
They KILLED this!!!!
Cried because I had people either tell me this or just say it conversation without regard for what it was saying about me. Or how it would make me feel. My black is beautiful but sometimes it is really hard to see it when the world disregards it so much. Black men have it hard but often times I feel like the struggle of the black women is invisible to the rest of the world.
It's really sad that man black men don't realize that black women are beautiful in much more ways then just their beauty.
These Sistas are speaking TRUTH. I just hope that the ones who really need to hear this, not only hear it, but process it, and build the corrective action needed to change what these Sistas are speaking on. I'm helping to spread the word about this and yes, I'm a Brother who is married to a Nubian Queen and loves, admires, and is truly in awe of the awesome BETTER HALF: The Black Woman.
Thank you so much...we black girls need this.
Saw Crystal Valentine in the title so I was compelled to click it. I was not disappointed. At all.
Damn. Crystal's delivery is always chilling, cuts to the bone!
So sad + beautiful that I felt every word of this.
"to be black and woman is to be MAGIC...it's to be the witch that couldn't burn".....that got me
This actually made me cry..i felt it... deep and true
As a young black male seeing things like this transpire from the side, this kind of thing just hurts to see. People in general so quick to show such animosity toward each other. How bruthas and sistas can come up with all sorts of reasons to not even bother dating someone of their own ethnicity. I hate seeing all of this. Racial barriers plunged so deep that even our own inner community is affected by it. It's sickening.
Jihad REALLY................Fuck that isn't a black women in the White House????????
Tissan Young Sir, the truth is that black women will NEVER abandon black men. Perhaps that is the problem. Our loyalty is being taken for granted. We will "ride or die" for black men, but never truly demand reciprocity or respect. We can't demand that our brothers do better. To do so would mean to put up with charges of being "angry black women" or "feminists". Ain't nobody got time for that!
***** Let me add we will never abandon Black men because we can't. We birth them. So it doesn't matter if we tip toe off to procreate with another racial group, the truth is if we have children they will be Black too. It's our job then as mothers is to show them how to love themselves in this crazy world we live in.
T. L. See sista there you go, you're logic is strange. You can't promote black unity and support interracial mixing at the same time. That straddling the fence. You can't (shouldn't) promote IR, but then display anger at black men. Thats like you're my woman I tell you its ok to sleep around, but claim i love you and upset with what you're doing. TAKE A STANCE AND STICK WITH IT. If you interracial be interracial, if you believe in fixing this crisis then stay true
Carbon Wrath Did I reply to you because I can't remember? I can do and think whatever I choose, thank you. Do you recognize President Obama as a Black man? He is sure treated like one even with his White half mixed in.
Thank you for this.
“I grew up learning how to protect men who hate me,”
This poem struck such a cored with me I wasn't even expecting to get this emotional hearing this poem.
November 2019. Still so powerful!
Sistas! This poem is so honest and powerful. Never dilute your power. Excellent!
"They want me to be everything I'm not". crazy how much i can relate to this. Like, why isn't being only black enough to be beautiful?
This is REMARKABLE! Everyone who likes this piece should download it and play it in their cars and Bluetooth speakers. I know I'll be doing it. I love Black Women no matter wherr they are in the world. I'll always love black women. And when I'm ready, hopefully in this lifetime, I'll attract the one who is specifically designed for me. Meaning the one I'm SUPPOSED to be with. If not, maybe next lifetime.
Every word they said is completely TRUE❗️❗️😩
I've watched this twice and cried both times. Beautiful. The message is amazing and I applaud you.
love this poem it's very honest and transparent.granted there are black men out there that genuinely love black women but they have unfortunately become a rarity .I personally believe that black women should open up their options and be more open minded to interracial relationships themselves 💗
this is so powerful. i love their poems and their art. they are so creative. BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL AND MAGIC
Speechless
This is absolutely EVERYTHING!! I am getting the feels everywhere. Y’all better do it
This is so true! We have fallen so hard and low as a people.
I am close to tears. This is beautiful and moving, thank you.
"My very existence is defiance" woow.
POWERFUL.
Every word is true...thanks for preaching our pain
Without thinking about it I applauded at the end, alone at my computer.
This poem is amazing and brings up so many good points and topics. I hope they continue to do such amazing things with their words, I love this so much!
CHILLS 😍
Black Beautiful Women. We refuse to be something we aren't... Like It or Not
When black women rise, black men need to let go of the ego and rise with us. when black women die at the hands of the police our black men need to be just as vocal and outraged and out there protesting for her. when black women cry or feel unsafe, the black man should be our savior and protector, respecting us and defending us from other men. when black women say, we love you....the black men need to learn to forgive and stop cursing and blaming us for their demise. we need each other, but not at the cost of the black woman's soul!
im2krunk unfortunately you are right. They still blame us for so-called running with the white feminist, but that actually have the story wrong. And the NOI and the Black Panther Parties glossed over the importance of the black woman years ago and let our men believe that we were defiant and decided to leave the civil rights cause. We never left....we needed to be included. Marcus Garvey wasn't by himself writing...when he was jailed his wife took over, wrote for newspapers and edited his books and wrote in his books.
Kamina P. Richardson Exactly Marcus Garvey got it, because he knew of the Ethiopian history and of Africa. He wasn't corrupted with misogyny like USA born black men. He understood the importance of black women in our liberation. Malcolm X grew up a Garveyite and was going in that direction when he branched off from the NOI. This government pulled the plug along with them fake NOI followers and ended Malcolm's life. That was the last of black manhood we have witness in this country.
"To be Black and Woman and Alive is to be resilient. My very existence is defiance..." Powerful poem