Racism
The most important theme explored in the poems is the theme of racism. “The Race Industry” is a poem about the exploitation of the suffering of the oppressed. It shows the system of cruelty and how Black suffering is shown and exploited for the monetary gains of the “Uncle Toms”. “Sos (Save Our Sons)” is another poem that explores the theme of racism and the need for Black people of England to rise and fight against systematic racism.
Veganism
One of the themes the poet explores in his understated style of poetry is the theme of veganism. The two connecting short poems called “Vegan Stephen” and “Vegan Stephen’s Vegan clothes” describe the dedication to one’s choices, just like Stephen wants to wear nothing but vegan clothes, in a humorous and, one could even argue, sarcastic way. The poems are a reflection of the current time and people’s tendency to see the world only in extremes.
Stereotype labelling
The poem “Who’s Who” is a short but meaningful poem in the sense that shows the steps of realization that things aren’t what they seem, of understanding of the other after being in their shoes. The stereotypical gender labelling of nurses as females and police as males, as well as poets being boring serves as a tool for the realization and argument against those stereotypes in the final line, i.e., becoming them.
Democratization of Poetry
"Dis Poetry" emphasizes that poetry is not the exclusive domain of the wise, well-read, or analytical. He uses everyday language and a rhythmic, lively style to show that poetry is accessible to all, regardless of their educational background or social status. By doing so, he democratizes poetry, making it relatable to a wider audience.
The poem challenges stereotypes associated with poetry as something reserved for the academically inclined or for those who conform to a certain literary tradition. Zephaniah's use of the term "Dis poetry" (This poetry) suggests a break from convention and an assertion that poetry can take many forms and serve various purposes.
Form as Rebellion
"Dis Poetry" draws inspiration from the oral tradition of performance poetry, such as dub poetry and reggae music. It incorporates rhythm and repetition, creating a lively and rhythmic flow. This oral tradition has roots in African and Caribbean cultures, where storytelling and expression often take the form of spoken word and music. By using this form, the poet rebels against the written, academic tradition of poetry that can often be perceived as elitist.
Zephaniah employs simple and everyday language in the poem. He avoids complex vocabulary and intricate metaphors, making the poem accessible to a wide audience. This simplicity is a rebellion against poetry that relies on esoteric or arcane language, which can alienate readers who do not have specialized knowledge.
The poem playfully dismisses the works of Shakespeare, a towering figure in the Western literary canon, as not being what the poet prefers. This can be seen as a rejection of the idea that high culture and classical literature are the only legitimate forms of poetry. Zephaniah's poem celebrates the value of alternative forms of expression.
Embracing Personal and Cultural Identity
"Dis Poetry" reflects the poet's own cultural identity and experiences. It mentions dreadlocks, reggae rhythms, and sociology studies, all of which are part of Zephaniah's personal and cultural background. This is a rebellion against poetry that seeks to erase or downplay the cultural and personal identities of poets.
The poem is filled with references to everyday life experiences, such as going to bed, riding a bike, and university studies. This connects the poem to the real, lived experiences of ordinary people, which are often ignored or overshadowed by more traditional forms of poetry that focus on abstract themes or historical events.
