Poem Analysis - The Calling Of Names

Introduction: A Shifting Identity

Maya Angelou's "The Calling of Names" is a powerful journey through the evolving terminology used to describe Black men in America, tracing a shift from blatant dehumanization to a reclamation of identity. The poem adopts a conversational tone, initially almost flippant, before becoming increasingly assertive and finally, confrontational. This shift reflects the growing self-awareness and assertiveness of the Black community. The poem doesn't just document historical change, but captures the personal impact and emotional weight carried by these evolving labels.

The Weight of History

Understanding the historical context is crucial for appreciating this poem. The use of racial slurs like "nigger" is a direct link to the legacy of slavery and oppression. The shift to "colored man" was a small, incremental step towards respectability, but still carried the weight of segregation and discrimination. The adoption of "Negro," often capitalized, represented an effort within the Black community to assert dignity and reclaim agency. The comparison to "Japs" during wartime highlights the dehumanizing power of language when applied to entire groups of people. This historical backdrop is not just a setting, but an active force shaping the speaker's experience and understanding.

Claiming an Identity: A central theme

The core theme of the poem is the struggle to define and control one's own identity in the face of external impositions. The opening lines demonstrate the speaker’s forced acceptance of derogatory terms. The movement from “colored man” to "Negro" is presented as a significant leap, showcasing the community's attempt to redefine itself. The reference to becoming "a Jew" highlights the arbitrary and often absurd nature of racial classifications, which are often based on skin color. It seems to mock the way different identities can be applied to a single individual based on societal prejudices. Finally, the demand to be called “Black” represents a forceful assertion of self-determination and pride, the speaker rejecting labels imposed by others in favor of one chosen by themselves. It is about self-identification and the rejection of dehumanizing labels.

Color and Imagery: Beyond the Surface

Color imagery plays a significant role in the poem. The lines "Light, Yellow, Brown and Dark-brown skin, / were okay colors to / describe him then" depict a moment where superficial characteristics were deemed acceptable, almost as if reducing a person to a simple color palette. This contrasts with the underlying struggle for deeper respect and recognition. The image of the "Bouquet of Roses" is particularly striking. It suggests a celebration of the diversity and beauty within the Black community, but also implies that this beauty has been commodified and viewed from the outside. The almanac is a symbolic representation of change. An almanac records the changes in seasons. Thus it represents the seasons of change as Black men were forced to re-identify with different names through the years.

The Power of Language: Insult and Reclamation

The poem highlights the power of language to both insult and reclaim. The progression of terms, from the vile slur to the more neutral "Negro" and finally to the assertive "Black," demonstrates how language can be used to perpetuate prejudice or to assert self-respect. The final line, "Nigguh, I ain't playin' this time," is a crucial turning point. It is a deliberate reappropriation of a derogatory term, used with a sense of defiance and warning. The speaker is essentially taking ownership of the word, stripping it of its power to inflict pain, and using it as a signal that they will no longer tolerate disrespect. The use of the colloquial "ain't" further grounds the poem in the lived experience of the speaker, reinforcing the authenticity of their voice.

Conclusion: A Call to Respect

"The Calling of Names" is more than just a historical account of changing racial terminology. It is a powerful statement about the ongoing struggle for self-definition and respect. The poem traces a path from forced acceptance of degrading labels to a confident declaration of identity. The evolving language reflects the evolving consciousness of the Black community, and the growing determination to control its own narrative. Ultimately, the poem serves as a reminder that names are not just words, but carry the weight of history, the power to inflict pain, and the potential to affirm identity and demand respect.