Poem Analysis - Sepia Fashion Show

A Critical Gaze: Introduction to "Sepia Fashion Show"

Maya Angelou's "Sepia Fashion Show" is a sharply critical poem that exposes the pretension and self-denial of a segment of the Black bourgeoisie. The poem's tone is initially sardonic and mocking, directed towards the models in the fashion show. This quickly shifts to a more accusatory and admonishing tone as Angelou directly addresses the "Black Bourgeois." The poem's overall mood is one of controlled anger and disappointment, aimed at those who have seemingly forgotten their roots in their pursuit of social status.

Contextualizing the Critique: Roots of the Poem

While the poem itself provides the necessary context for understanding Angelou's critique, it is useful to consider the historical backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement and the growing Black middle class during the mid-20th century. Angelou, deeply involved in the struggle for racial equality, likely witnessed firsthand the phenomenon of some African Americans distancing themselves from their working-class origins as they achieved economic success. This poem can be seen as a challenge to that detachment, urging them to remember their shared history and responsibilities.

Theme 1: Hypocrisy and Performance

One of the central themes is the hypocrisy inherent in the Black bourgeoisie's adoption of white, upper-class mannerisms and values. The poem highlights the performative nature of their identity through phrases like "who all say 'yah' / when yeah is what they're meaning." This suggests a deliberate attempt to mimic a perceived superior culture, even when it feels unnatural. The "nasty manners, held like banners" further emphasizes this performative aspect, portraying their behavior as a conscious display rather than genuine expression.

Theme 2: Class Division and Social Mobility

The poem also grapples with the theme of class division within the Black community. The speaker's disdain for the models and the "Black Bourgeois" underscores the distance that has grown between those who have achieved social mobility and those who remain rooted in the working class. The speaker's declaration, "I'd see ‘em in hell, before they'd sell / me one thing they're wearing, clothes-wise," demonstrates a rejection of this class divide and a refusal to participate in their aspirational lifestyle. The reference to "Miss Ann's scrubbing" directly reminds them of their past, a past shared with those they now seem to look down upon.

Theme 3: Identity and Self-Denial

The theme of identity and self-denial is woven throughout the poem. The "Black Bourgeois" are portrayed as losing touch with their authentic selves in their pursuit of assimilation. The line, "before they set out preening," suggests a superficial focus on appearances and a neglect of deeper, more meaningful aspects of identity. The final stanza serves as a direct challenge to this self-denial, urging them to remember their humble origins and recognize the sacrifices made by previous generations. By forgetting their past, they are arguably denying a crucial part of who they are.

Symbolism in Dress and Demeanor

The "clothes" worn by the models and desired by the "Black Bourgeois" serve as a powerful symbol of their aspirations and their attempt to adopt a new identity. The clothes represent not just material possessions but also a desire for social acceptance and status. The "bones protruding, hip-wise" image of the models can be interpreted as a critique of the unattainable and unhealthy beauty standards often associated with the fashion industry, highlighting the artificiality and superficiality of their world. The pointed reference to "knees, / you got at Miss Ann's scrubbing" provides a contrasting image, one of hard labor and humble beginnings, challenging the artifice of the fashion show.

Conclusion: A Plea for Remembrance

"Sepia Fashion Show" is a potent critique of social climbing and the amnesia that can accompany upward mobility. Maya Angelou uses vivid imagery and a sharply critical tone to expose the hypocrisy and self-denial she sees in a segment of the Black bourgeoisie. The poem serves as a reminder to remain connected to one's roots and to not forget the struggles and sacrifices that paved the way for success. Ultimately, Angelou's poem is a plea for authenticity and a condemnation of those who would abandon their heritage in pursuit of social acceptance.