Checking out Me History

1. Checking out Me History Themes and Ideas The poem is about the history that people are told about, often in school. 'Dem' is an unknown voice of authority (parent, teacher etc) who prevents the speaker from knowing the wider picture of his culture. Suggestion that a sense of cultural identity starts at a young age. Tales of black culture and important historical figures are written in italics to emphasise their importance and also to separate them from history taught by the British. The figures chosen represent struggle, rebellion and power, showing his desire to assert the voice of black culture. He highlights the dilemma faced by those who have no power, and are therefore forced to rebel. The end of the poem shows him joining in with the rebellion and suggests that his journey is not over. Language and Structure * Use of imagery, particularly metaphors when describing historical figures, suggest power and leadership. * Rhyme is used to draw attention to particular ideas and feelings. Lines 40-45 show Mary Seacole'sdefiant attitude, and predicts his own defiance in the last verse *Rhythm is used. The story of Toussaint is delivered as a chant to show Agard's support for the revolution. *Lack of punctuation and accent shows a refusal to follow Standard English, just as the English school refuse to share education about his culture with him. Shows pride in his own heritage and culture.