Summary Of The Change By Tony Hoagland

In the world of literature and poetry, discussions about race, racism, and representations have been ongoing topics of exploration and debate. One such example is the poem “The Change” by Tony Hoagland, which has sparked conversations about whether it is a racist poem or a poem about racism. To go deeper, it is essential to analyze the historical context, key figures involved, and the impact of this poem alongside the letters exchanged between Claudia Rankine and Tony Hoagland. “The Change” by Tony Hoagland is a poem that has sparked heated discussions regarding its portrayal of race and racism. When examining a poem alongside the letters exchanged between Hoagland and Claudia Rankine, it becomes evident that there are differing interpretations of the work. Some argue that “The Change” is a

This interpretation is further compounded by the fact that the poem is written from the perspective of a white narrator, which raises questions about who has the authority to speak on issues of race. On the other hand, there are those who argue that “The Change” is not a racist poem but rather a critique of racism. They point to the line in the poem that reads, “this is your chance to make a change, to become more than a visitor in the world of blackness.” This line is seen as a call to action for the white narrator to confront their own biases and assumptions about race. Additionally, the poem explores themes of privilege, power, dynamics, and the complexities of interracial relationships, all of which are central to discussions of racism in society. In analyzing influential individuals who have contributed to the field, Claudia Rankine emerges as a prominent figure in the conversation on race and literature. Her work, “Citizen: An American Lyric,” addresses issues of race, identity and belonging in a powerful and unflinching