Jan 23 2017
The Power of Poetry — and “Nasty Women”
I posted this on the Poetry Chaikhana’s Facebook page over the weekend, but I thought I should share it here, as well. This is a video of the actress Ashley Judd reciting a poem by a 19-year-old young woman about “Nasty Women.” As she speaks this poem, she stalks across the stage and channeling the shared experience of outrage combined with a renewed spirit of self-assertion. It is blunt, the language and imagery will be uncomfortable for many. But I share it for this reason: This poem, and the way it is delivered, is undeniably powerful. This poem has become one of the focal points of this massive movement. Refusing to mince words, this poem gives voice to the feelings of so many women who participated in this weekend’s events.
That is the power of poetry. Crystalizing and magnifying the sense of identity and purpose within the collective awareness.
Whether or not you like the poem or the mood it represents, I encourage you to watch in order to see the power of poetry as it operates within society.
Ashley Judd’s “Nasty Woman” Speech
Powerful, Passionate and Provocative! If there’s one thing that the election has done, imo, it has *mobilized* many people, not just women, to rise up and speak out… I think the people of America have engaged again, similar to the 1960’s, without having to be Nationalistic, (or Feminist) but just being human, caring people, without the need for labels, at least I hope so. I am neither Nationalistic or Feminist, but I am encouraged that people are standing up and speaking out. Will be interesting to see where we go from here. And Bravo to that 19 year old who wrote this courageous, articulate poem! _/\_ When I have time I will try to transcribe it off the video… Thank you for posting it.