Themes
What issue is mainly discussed in the poem?
Racism
Finish the quote: “I am not de _____."
problem
What literary device is repetition?
Repeating words/phrases
Who wrote the poem?
Benjamin Zephaniah
What does “academic” mean?
Good at school/learning
How does the speaker want others to see him?
As intelligent/capable
“You give I a chance” means what?
Give me an opportunity
Name one example of repetition in the poem.
“I am not de problem”
What nationality was Benjamin Zephaniah?
British/Jamaican-British
What does “versatile” mean?
Able to do many things
What stereotype is mentioned in the poem?
Black people being athletic only
What does “pigeon hole” mean in the poem?
To label/stereotype someone
What effect does repetition create?
Emphasis/power
What social issue inspired the poem?
Racism
Define “stunts” in the poem.
Hurtful actions/tricks
What does the poet say is “not de problem”?
Being Black
Why does the poet repeat “I am not de problem”?
For emphasis
What type of language style is used?
Dialect
Who is the “Mother country”?
Britain/England
What does “chip on me shoulders” mean?
Holding anger/grudges
How does the poet show that society is the real problem?
Through examples of racism and stereotypes
Explain the meaning of: “An jus fe de record, Sum of me best friends are white.”
The speaker rejects racism and shows he judges people equally
How does repetition strengthen the poem’s message?
It emphasizes that Black people are unfairly blamed
Why might this poem have been important when it was written?
It challenged racism and stereotypes in British society
Why does the poet use dialect throughout the poem?
To show identity, culture, and authenticity