'Half -Caste' and 'No Problem' comparison

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'Half -Caste' and 'No Problem' comparison

Half-caste' by John Agard and 'No Problem' by Benjamin Zephaniah are two very emotive poems challenging racism and racist views. Both poets attack stereotypes, using their own experiences of racism. They are both of mixed race; Zephaniah is part Jamaican and Agard is part Caribbean. Their poems are written phonetically to show that they are proud of their heritage.

Thier dialect emphasizes the fact that they stand out of society, giving their poems energy and authenticity.In the poem “half cast” John Agard explores the theme of racism through vernacular dialect in the repeated refrain “explain yuself” the word “yuself” uses Caribbean dialect to demonstrate Agard’s origins, the use of Caribbean dialect portrays Agard being proud of his mother country. The effect of this displays John Agard pleading to be heard and listened to by his readers by repeating the phrase. He objects to being called half a human and challenges the reader to think about their attitudes.This is also similar to the poem “No problem” by Benjamin Zephaniah, who also uses vernacular dialect in the refrain “I am not de problem” the use of the word “de” allows Zephaniah to express his anger towards racism by using words native to his origin to make him stand out from everyday society. The fact that both lines are a refrain suggests to the reader both poets are trying to confront the people who have been racist towards them which may make the reader feel intimidated by the poet as well as the points appearing extremely angered by racism by creating a tone that appears passive aggressive as well as passionate about the subject.

As well as this, both poems exploit the theme of being incomplete in the quote “yu put me in a pigeon hole but I am versatile” Zephaniah uses a metaphor to suggest comparing himself being isolated. Correspondingly the title “half cast” uses the word “half” to display the poet being viewed as “half” a person connotating Agard being incomplete. This shows that those of mixed heritage were considered as unworthy.However, both poems attack racism in two different manners. Agard uses direct speech and imperatives to point his thoughts directly at the reader and to make the poem challenging and confrontational.'I'/'yu' and 'Explain yuself wha yu mean' are repeated throughout this poem demonstrating his frustration and confusion. However, Zephaniah creates a sympathetic mood, making the poem pleaful. 'If yu give I a chance' suggests that the speaker is no worthy and has to prove himself to society.

Both poets emphasize that being of mixed race creates limitations and restriction to your abilities, dreams, and hopes. In 'No Problem' emotive language is used to demonstrate that the speaker is victimized. 'Playground taunts an racist stunts', 'I am a born academic ','Now I am branded athletic' The speaker is constantly misunderstood and their talents are overshadowed by popular stereotypes. Furthermore ' branded' refers to the fact it is permanent and will not change but it is also an effective verb that links to slavery. These restrictions are further portrayed by ' you put me in a pigeon hole'; creating a feeling of entrapment suggesting the caging of his abilities. However, Agard uses a pun that is metaphorically comparing the clouds to people's attitudes and judgment, that they are not open-minded and do not accept or celebrate different cultures mixing.

Both poets use figurative language to strengthen their argument. Zephaniah uses the auxiliary verb 'am' and the modal verb 'can' frequently to create a sense of determination in the speaker.'I can do more than dance' and 'I am not de problem' creates a confident tone within the speaker; highlighting the fact that he is fully aware and proud of his identity. In Agard’s poem, the second stanza is filled with metaphors Agard compares the English weather to being half-caste, saying the mix of sun and clouds in the sky is always present in England. His anger really shows in this example, using the word spiteful when discussing how the clouds sometimes seem to not want the sun to be visible. The last line, “ah rass,” is especially angry. This phrase is a Creole term that translates to “my ass,” something someone says when they are angrily dismissing another person’s argument and emphasizes his feelings. The listing of metaphors, parables, and scathing humor creates a confrontational and challenging tone.

Both poems lack punctuation to convey the direct nature of the message. Agard does not capitalize 'england' to show that he has experienced prejudice here and that he is angry at the English language for creating the word 'half-caste'. By not using a capital letter, he is not giving any importance to England. Zephaniah uses enjambement to portray this frustration.By increasing the meter making the speaker sound impatient about their treatment. Both poems also consist of shortline to ensure that we feel the impact and to emphasize the importance of the message.

Both poems are split up into stanzas. In Zephaniah's poem, the two stanzas highlight the split between speaker and society. The 2nd stanza is where the poet reflects on his experience, it is where the rhyme and rhythm are looser creating a contemplating mood. On the other hand, 'Half-Caste' does not rhyme, but the words do have a Carribean rhythm which is reinforced by repetition; reminding us of Agard's heritage of which he is proud of. Also the four stanzas, each have a different message- even though the poem is brimming with sarcasm and frustration- the poem gradually builds an accusatory tone indicating that 'half-caste' is an unacceptable phrase to use.

'No problem'and 'Half-Caste' are two very moralistic poems which changed the views of many people at that time about people of mixed race.