Maya Angelou’s childhood could only be described as difficult. The racial tension that came after the Martin Luther King assassination caused her to, “experience the brutality of racial discrimination”(“Information about Maya Angelou” 1). Undoubtedly, she adopted unforgettable life lessons and emotions, which are displayed in her inspiring poem, “Still I Rise.” Throughout the poem, she creates an image of a battle about overcoming racism and rising above a label. This is illustrated by her use of symbols of marginalization, as well the use of a harsh tone, which addresses the white oppressors.

The symbols of marginalization that Maya Angelou uses in her poem depicts the struggle of overcoming racism. For instance, this is displayed when she