No Problem

• What does the speaker bear the brunt of in the school yard?


  Silly playground taunts
• How is the speaker stereotyped in terms of athleticism?


  He is branded as 'naturally athletic'
• What does the speaker imply about his identity beyond stereotypes?


  He possesses culture and knowledge, not just athletic ability
• What metaphor does the speaker use to describe societal stereotypes?


  He is put in a 'pigeon hole'
• What phrase is repeated throughout the poem to express anger?

  I am not de problem
• What adjective does the speaker use to describe himself?


  Versatile
• What noun choice emphasizes the racism experienced by the speaker in his youth?

  Conditions
• What bold statement does the speaker make about race?

  Black is not de problem
• What metaphor does the speaker use to convey his lack of resentment?


  I have no chips on me shoulder
• What structure does the poem follow in exploring stereotypes?


  • Each ABAB quatrain explores and rejects a black stereotype
  • Examples include:
  • "now I am branded athletic"
  • "I can do more dan dance"
• What ironic tone does the speaker use regarding racism?


  He mocks intolerance by using a common stereotype
• What metaphor does Zephaniah use to illustrate the limiting stereotypes he faces?


  Yu put me in a pigeon hole
• What examples does Zephaniah use to prove he is more than stereotypes?


  Now I am branded an athlete and I can do more than dance
• How does Zephaniah convey that he is not the problem in society?


  Through the repetition of "I am not de problem"
• How does Zephaniah flip the joke regarding white people?


  By stating "sum of me best friends are white"
• How does Zephaniah suggest that white people are the problem in society?


  Through the phrase "mother country get it right"
• How does Zephaniah relate the poem to his childhood experiences?


  By mentioning he bears the brunt of silly playground stunts
• What is the point of view expressed in the poem?

  It is from Zephaniah's perspective as a black person with mixed heritage
• What tone does Zephaniah use in the poem?


  Passive aggressive and sarcastic
• What is the significance of the word 'branded' in the poem?


  It relates to the black slave trade and loss of identity
• What context does the poem address?


  • Current issues of racism and prejudice
  • Influenced by Jamaican culture
• What is the form and structure of the poem?

  • Written in free verse
  • Dramatic monologue
  • Caribbean accent emphasized
  • Two stanzas of unequal length
  • Alternate line rhyme scheme
• What does the alternate line rhyme scheme suggest?


  Racism is a regular problem that affects many
• What does the use of anaphora in the poem suggest?


  It emphasizes the speaker's isolation and loneliness
• What does the metaphor of 'pigeon hole' suggest about societal views?


  People prejudge him without understanding his individuality
• What is the significance of the repeated use of the word 'problem'?


  It emphasizes that he does not have a problem
• How does the use of 'versatile' in the poem underscore the speaker's intelligence?


  It contrasts with the mostly monosyllabic nature of the poem
• What does the final phrase "sum of me best friends are white" suggest?


  It implies that white people have the problem with racism