Checking Out Me History Flashcards
Who wrote checking out me history
John Agard in 2005
Summary of checking out me history
The speaker is recounting all of the historical figures he was taught as a child, he then lists all of the figures from black history who were not mentioned. He resolves to discover more about his own heritage.
Key quotes from checking out me history
-“Dem tell me Dem tell me wha dem want to tell me “
-“But now I checking out me history I carving out me identity”
-“But Toussaint L’Ouverture no dem never tell me bout dat”
-“bandage up me eye with me own history blind me to my own identity “
Analyse quote “Dem tell me Dem tell me wha dem want to tell me “
-The repetition of “Dem tell me” emphasizes the forceful nature of the narrative being imposed on the speaker. It conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by external voices that dictate what the speaker is allowed to know. This repetition creates a rhythm that mimics the oppressive cycle of authoritative storytelling and historical imposition.
-The poem is a response to the Eurocentric historical narratives that have long dominated education systems in many parts of the world, particularly in former colonies. Agard highlights the selective nature of historical education, where only certain stories—typically those that favor the colonizers—are told. The speaker is given a version of history that is partial, biased, and incomplete, with the experiences and contributions of indigenous and enslaved peoples erased or downplayed. The implications of this are vast, as it suggests that the education system, rather than being a source of objective truth, is a vehicle for perpetuating power imbalances.
-The speaker’s choice to use Caribbean Creole is a deliberate act of cultural affirmation. By reclaiming the language of their heritage, the speaker resists the linguistic domination of the colonizer and reasserts the validity of their own culture and voice.
Analyse quote “But now I checking out me history I carving out me identity”
-This choice of language suggests a process of exploration and discovery, indicating that the speaker is not passively accepting the history they’ve been taught, but actively seeking out their true heritage
-emphasizes the speaker’s empowerment and autonomy in shaping their own identity. The metaphor of carving conveys a sense of agency and self-determination. In the context of post-colonial theory, this act of carving out an identity can be understood as an assertion of selfhood that has been denied by the colonial experience. It is a process of reclaiming what was once lost or suppressed, and of constructing a new, self-defined identity based on authentic cultural foundations.
Analyse quote “But Toussaint L’Ouverture no dem never tell me bout dat”
-the line acts as an accusation, as the speaker’s use of direct, informal language invites the reader to question why they were never taught about such an important historical figure.
-L’Ouverture, born a slave, led the revolt against French colonial forces ultimately securing the abolition of slavery and establishing a new order in the Caribbean. His leadership, however, has been often downplayed or overlooked in mainstream historical narratives, especially in the context of Western education.
-For readers from post-colonial societies or communities with African and Caribbean roots, this line serves as a validation of their own experiences of cultural erasure. It reflects the frustration of learning a history that is incomplete and biased, and it invites the reader to reconsider the historical figures and events that have been left out of their education.
Analyse quote “bandage up me eye with me own history blind me to my own identity “
-This imagery connects the idea of historical education to a form of blindness, implying that what is taught as history is not a true reflection of the speaker’s heritage but rather a distortion that hinders the recognition of their authentic identity. He is also rendered unable to recognize or fully understand their true self
-Just as a bandage is applied to a wound, the false history imposed on the speaker can be seen as a response to an injury, attempting to cover or conceal the painful truth of colonial exploitation. However, rather than healing, this “covering” prevents the speaker from confronting and understanding the deep scars left by colonialism.
-For readers unfamiliar with the effects of colonialism, the line provides a vivid and powerful introduction to the psychological and cultural effects of colonial domination. It serves as a reminder of the ways in which history can be used as a tool of oppression and the importance of recovering lost histories in order to reclaim identity.
Structure and form of checking out me history
-The poem’s rhythmic structure is not uniform, reflecting the contrast between the cold, impersonal recounting of colonial history and the passionate, defiant reclaiming of African and Caribbean identity.
-The phrase “Dem tell me Dem tell me” can be seen as a challenge to the educational authorities who have shaped the speaker’s understanding of history. This direct address creates a sense of confrontation, as the speaker refuses to passively accept the narratives handed down to them.
-The use of Creole is not just a linguistic choice but a political one. It represents a rejection of the dominant English language and a reclaiming of the speaker’s cultural roots. The use of Creole gives the poem a sense of authenticity, as it brings the speaker’s voice closer to their lived experience, creating a clear distinction between the forced language of colonial education and the language of cultural pride.
Context of the poem checking out me history
-historical figures and events were presented in a way that promoted British superiority and justified the empire’s expansionist policies. Meanwhile, the rich histories of African and Caribbean peoples were largely ignored or misrepresented, leaving colonized students with a limited, often biased, view of the world.
