A. Van Jordan

#TeachLivingPoets

In the poem A Tempest in a Teacup, A. Van Jordan characterizes Prospero as a old, heterosexual white man who fears the changing times of America. Even though the cultural shift that is occurring could benefit both parties, he is blind. From lines 1-6, Prospero explains how he did not get his dream job because it was given to a Black man. He is upset on how times are changing, as Black people are now able to get the same opportunities are whites. From lines 7-11, Jordan demonstrates how Prospero is able to financially support his family and send his son to school. He is not racially profiled from strangers on the street, and does not have to worry about whether his son comes home or not. From lines 12-16, Jordan demonstrates how he has hopes and expectations for his country, as it has always been there to allow him to succeed. Prospero is the model citizen for the country, with all worries free. From lines 17-20, Jordan demonstrates how Prospero does not have to worry if he will make it home tonight, just for simply being a white, heterosexual male. The white male does not face discrimination in the world, as everything is meant to be catered to him. This poem demonstrates the privilege white people have, specifically the white cishet male, which is vastly different from the Black experience.

(Link to the poem): https://poets.org/poem/tempest-teacup

I picked A. Van Jordan as my Mentor Poet because I feel it is crucial to uplift Black voices and experiences from actual Black people. Usually when I learned about Poetry, it would be about old, dead white guys. I also think it is important to learn about other experiences of life, especially POC. I believe we need to include these types of people in Poetry, because their contributions are just as valuable.