Dr. Maya Angelou calls popular poetry offensive (A salute to a Queen)

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On February 2009 at 11:58 a.m., I realized my dream. I pushed my fear aside, which normally paralyzed me in my early days as a reporter, and conducted my biggest interview to date – Dr. Maya Angelou. As a 21-year-old reporter, I was to say the least, nervous, but still kept enough composure to conduct a professional interview with the 80-year-old poetic genius and New York Times Bestselling author.

When I first heard that Angelou would be speaking my school, The Ohio State University, for a lecture, I smiled at the possibility of being able to ask her a couple of questions for an article. But then a wave of doubt began to overtake when I considered all my shortcomings. I was a beginning journalism student with little skill set, and I had not started working for the school newspaper, The Lantern, yet. Sure, I knew how to ask some basic questions, but was I able to realistically convey any of my inquires to a famous writer, and then be able to knit her words into something people would be able to read and enjoy?

Needless to say, the pressure was on as it is always for a journalist, and I rose to the occasion, broke to through the crowd, introduced myself and began the impossible. Whatever courage I mustered up to talk to Angelou, it worked, and it was at that very moment I realized reporting is what I was always destined to do.

Rest in Peace to the Queen!!!!!

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Maya Angelou calls popular poetry offensive

In a phone interview on Feb 11, 2010 Maya Angelou, a legendary American poet, spoke candidly about her disdain for some of the language used in modern day poetry.

“Some of the popular poetry offends me, I’m offended by profanity, and vulgarity,” she says.

She asserts that audiences, including herself, deserve a far better choice of words than what artists choose to use today.

“My ears deserve better than that, my history deserves better than that,” She says.

Although Angelou unapologetically criticizes modern day poetry for its usage of vulgar language she also acknowledges the fact that time and culture are forever evolving.

“The forms are changing and people are experimenting and exploring, and I like that  ... I just don’t agree with the vulgarity.” she says.

In addition to voicing her opinion about the state of modern day poetic lyrics she seamlessly transitioned into her political activism, stating that,” everyone is political”.

Angelou, who worked with Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement,  has never shied away from fighting for justice.

 She endorsed Hilary Clinton in the 2008 presidential election, and later contributed to Barack Obama’s presidential campaign after Clinton stepped down.

Other topics of discussion ranged from Angelou’s perspective on life to her many sources of inspirations.

“So many people inspire me  ... those who try to change darkness into light…some young people second or third generation on welfare walk down the street as if they have oil wells in their backyard, that inspires me,” she says.

In her trademark distinct and articulate tone she emphasizes the importance of equality amongst people, stating, “Only equals make friends… any other relationship is out of order”.

When asked which piece of work captures the essence of her the most she answered with a loud bellowed laugh.

“I don’t know, it depends on the time of day you ask me … in the morning it could be still I rise, or it could be a song I wrote with Quincy Jones,” she says.

It is apparent that Angelou, who will be celebrating her 82 birthday this April, is an extraordinary woman. She has traveled the world, and will add The Ohio State University to her list on Feb 28, 2010.

            Ohio State’s Ohio Union Activities Board will be hosting the event scheduled to take place at Mershon Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.

   According to lecture committee member, Stephen Humphries, the exact content of Angelou’s speech is unknown, but is expected to focus on race relations and diversity.

“Dr. Angelou is an incredible American figure whose wisdom and experience are unparalleled… we hope that students gain a new perspective on diversity,” Humphries e-mailed Feb 17, 2010.

Though she has created extravagant forms of art in film, theatre, and music she still remains humble, insisting that she is merely trying to be a Christian woman,  which she deems  not an easy task by any means.

“I would like to be known as a woman who worked hard who loved being a human being, loved being an African-American woman in the 20 and 21 century,” she says.