The division between the stanzas through Agard's use of italics shows the separation between the history he was taught and black history
Structure / Repetition
The repetition of "Dem tell me" mirrors rote learning and it could be inferred that Agard had to rote learn the history he was taught due to its lack of personal relevance to him. It also creates an oppressive tone to the teaching of history.
Structure / Repetition
Each stanza begins with "dem tell me" which shows how colonial control has dominated his life in the same way it dominates the poem. The repetition could also be interpreted to allude to Agard's emphatic desire to have his message heard.
