Griot/ Djali and Hip hop Essay

My abilities in writing essays may not be perfect and writing under pressure proved to be even harder. The hardest part about this essay was trying to articulate my thoughts in the time frame given to us to write. Because I had not been present to get the article during the previous class, I had to read my article the day of the essay and squeeze comprehension and articulation into the class period. Understanding the Griot and Djali culture grew increasingly confusing; I had to reread the article several times before actually grasping a good idea of Baraka’s main point. As I began writing, words and thoughts were jumbled; it took me awhile before I could write at a good pace moving with momentum. Doing more research and making connections aided in my comprehension of the topic and helped to write my essay. I liked that we were exploring a new topic that allowed us to a gain a new perspective on Griot/Djali tradition. I thought it was also a different approach from what we usually do in class and it made the period move along smoothly. Though this class essay was a little tough for everyone, I learned to work under pressure and pace myself to get my thoughts onto paper. I didn’t get to finish the essay because there were still so many ideas I wanted to include, but I was able to continue and add my paragraphs at home. In addition, I also learned about a new culture and how many different aspects of life can contribute to hip hop culture, or any culture. If I could have another opportunity at working on this essay, I would use more resources and evidence to gain stronger support. I would also have more time to work consistently and eloquently in constructing my thoughts.

Song of Myself Response

Ilene Lee
English 1B
Professor Sabir
3 November 2009

Song of Myself

I praise myself and grow with what I experience
My thoughts and dreams grow with each day
That passes

My eyes see the world
In its fascinations and mysteries surrounding
People, my family, my friends, my people
We all share the quality of being human

My mind is open and non-judging
I seek out the eccentricities of humanity
I question the purposes we hold
Our destinies waiting to happen
Ready to burst into our lives and
Become reality

My ideas are influential
They spread like watercolor on a palette
Flowing and mixing in rhythmic patterns
Colors integrating and thoughts sprouting
There are no limits
No standards and no boundaries
Free and billowy, my painting grows

My limbs and shoulders are fragile
Organs and bones lying delicate
I am soft and sensitive
Like a branch, I am light
But I come from strong roots
With a thick core that is planted deep into the ground
Sacrifices made and hardships hidden in the past
I come from traditions and values filled with moral beliefs
I extend from the stable trunk
I reach and grow, sprouting leaves of knowledge and progress
Light and fine, as I am
My leaves and strength hold the highest potential

I am amorphous
Shapeless, formless and unstructured
Everything I embody is ever changing
The uncertainty is exciting
The mysteries and surprises inspire me
Qualities of spontaneity drive my passion
I am different and unexpected
Every day is new