Kitchenette Building Poem Analysis

Michael Cefolo

April 2, 2023

English Composition II

Professor Ciampi

“Secret Discrimination”

The poem “Kitchenette Building” by Gwendolyn Brooks is a powerful review of the social and economic inequalities that persisted in America, the African Americans who faced discrimination and limited opportunities. The poem portrays the kitchenette building as a symbol of the larger societal problems of poverty and injustice. The poem suggests that important changes are needed for working class African American families to have a chance at a better life. We will look at what the poem thinks has to be done for America to become more equal, how it fits in with the political theories of the civil rights period, especially Martin Luther King Jr. and

and Malcolm X. These leaders searched for ways to address the complete inequalities that kept African Americans belittles and enslaved. Martin Luther King, Jr. believed in nonviolent protests and marches as a way of achieving equality. He argued that change could be brought about through peaceful ways, such as boycotts, sit ins, and marches. Malcolm X, on the other hand, believed in a more violent approach to achieve equality. He argued that African Americans should be willing to defend themselves against violence and

The poem suggests that the road to better housing, education, and employment opportunities is needed for working class African American families to have a better chance at a better life. This way all people are treated the same no matter what.

I feel “Kitchenette Building” is a powerful expression of the social and economic inequalities that went on in America for the African American families who faced discrimination and very limited opportunities. A huge change was needed for these families to have any chance at a better life. It spoke of how the African Americans were dismissed and abused. America needed to address these issues if any progress for a better way of life was going to happen for the African American