Journal for Dope

The reading for today is "Dope" by Leroi Jones. This is another poem from the beat movement so needless to say the poem neglects the refinements of traditional poetic form. The big difference from other poetry we have read is that this poem is meant to be heard as a performance more so than read. when not read out loud the poem losses a bit of its meaning and appeal. i like how Jones calls out the American government, the concept of capitalism, and religion for having betrayed the black man but I also like how he calls out the black man himself for being so blind to the obstacles around himself.