Poem Analysis - Televised

Introduction: A Poem of Discomfort and Questioning

Maya Angelou's "Televised" is a stark and unsettling poem that confronts the viewer with the uncomfortable reality of global suffering, particularly the plight of starving Black children. The poem's tone is initially one of disillusioned resignation, quickly shifting to a questioning, almost accusatory, stance. It explores the disconnect between comfortable Western life and the televised images of extreme poverty, forcing the reader to confront their own complicity. The poem ultimately leaves us with a lingering sense of unease and a call for action, or at least, reflection.

Historical and Social Context: Bearing Witness to Suffering

While the poem itself doesn't explicitly reference a specific historical event, it speaks to the broader context of global poverty and racial disparities, issues deeply ingrained in the legacy of colonialism and systemic inequalities. Angelou, a prominent voice in the Civil Rights Movement, often addressed issues of racial injustice and social inequality in her work. "Televised" can be seen as part of this larger conversation, highlighting the way in which media representations of suffering can both inform and desensitize audiences, particularly concerning the persistent images of suffering populations in Africa.

Theme 1: The Desensitizing Effect of Media

One of the primary themes explored in the poem is the desensitizing effect of televised suffering. The opening lines, "Televised news turns / a half-used day into / a waste of desolation," suggest that the constant barrage of negative news can lead to a feeling of helplessness and apathy. The "waste of desolation" is not just the suffering itself, but also the wasted potential for action or empathy. The poem implies that simply witnessing these images through a screen is not enough and can even be detrimental, turning genuine concern into passive observation.

Theme 2: The Question of Complicity and Guilt

The poem grapples with the theme of complicity and guilt, particularly in the face of such stark inequality. The speaker's inability to eat her "lamb-chop flesh" and "green peas" highlights the moral discomfort that arises when confronted with the suffering of others. The food, typically associated with comfort and sustenance, becomes symbolic of the speaker's guilt and privilege. The phrase "reeks and cannot be / eaten" suggests that the speaker's abundance has become tainted by the knowledge of others' starvation. The poem uses vivid imagery to connect the speaker's personal space of comfort to the children's suffering.

Theme 3: Hope in the Face of Hopelessness

Despite the bleakness of the subject matter, the poem also subtly explores the theme of hope, even in the most desperate circumstances. The repeated question, "Why do Black children / hope?" acknowledges the seemingly irrational persistence of hope in the face of overwhelming adversity. This hope, described as "helpless" yet present in the children's faces, serves as a powerful indictment of the systems that perpetuate their suffering. It challenges the reader to consider the resilience of the human spirit and the responsibility to nurture that hope with concrete action. The poem does not suggest that the hope is well-founded, but its very existence asks the questions that the comfortable Western viewer should be considering.

Symbolism: The Unconsumed Meal

The image of the uneaten meal—"lamb-chop flesh" and "green peas"—functions as a central symbol within the poem. It represents the speaker's guilt and discomfort, but also the broader inequality between the developed world and the regions plagued by starvation. The "lamb-chop flesh," a symbol of abundance and privilege, becomes repulsive in the face of the children's suffering. The "green peas," described as "unmolested" and possessing "innocence," mirror the innocent hope in the children's faces. The fact that this food remains untouched suggests a paralysis, an inability to bridge the gap between privilege and poverty. Perhaps the speaker should share their food, or perhaps the food that they have is the product of and contributes to the children's suffering, either way the food is a symbol of the speaker's uncomfortable position.

Conclusion: An Unsettling Call to Consciousness

In conclusion, "Televised" is a powerful and unsettling poem that challenges readers to confront the uncomfortable realities of global suffering and their own potential complicity. Through its stark imagery, questioning tone, and exploration of themes like desensitization, guilt, and hope, Angelou compels us to move beyond passive observation and consider our responsibility to alleviate the suffering of others. The poem's significance lies in its ability to provoke introspection and inspire a more active and compassionate response to the televised images of human suffering, reminding us that even in the face of despair, the question of "Why?" can be a catalyst for change. Does the poem suggest any answers? Or is simply asking enough?