Peter Andres
Professor Stewart
Com 1102
31 January 2021
HW#7
Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise” is a defiant statement calling out the blatant racism
in America. The speaker triumphantly overcomes the prejudice and injustices faced by so many
minorities in the U.S, proudly diminishing those who contribute to these atrocities. Maya
Angelou is a female, African American civil rights activist with many poems and literary works
gaining her over 50 honorary degrees. Having to face the issue of racism growing up as in the
mid-1900s, Maya’s poem is meant to help victims of oppression to rise up and over come
adversity, as she has learned to.
The poem presents themes of self-respect and confidence, prompting the reader to
overcome their issues with strong self-esteem. Despite the oppressors “bitter, twisted lies” and
wishes to see the speaker broken and disparaging, she repeats the phrase, “I rise”, and prods the
oppressor with her unwillingness to give up. This steadfast mind set appeals to all readers, as
everyone has faced something or someone trying to put them down, regardless of race, religion,
or ethnicity. Maya calls the reader to rise above society’s malicious treatment of those different
from them and forget all racist and sexist ideals they have grown up with. Not only are the
oppressors belittled and reshaped, but those who have faced the wrath of them are rejuvenated
with strength and courage by Maya’s strong and determined tone throughout the poem. This
poem helps the reader persevere through the hardships they are bound to face in life, reminding
Professor Stewart
Com 1102
31 January 2021
HW#7
Maya Angelou’s poem “Still I Rise” is a defiant statement calling out the blatant racism
in America. The speaker triumphantly overcomes the prejudice and injustices faced by so many
minorities in the U.S, proudly diminishing those who contribute to these atrocities. Maya
Angelou is a female, African American civil rights activist with many poems and literary works
gaining her over 50 honorary degrees. Having to face the issue of racism growing up as in the
mid-1900s, Maya’s poem is meant to help victims of oppression to rise up and over come
adversity, as she has learned to.
The poem presents themes of self-respect and confidence, prompting the reader to
overcome their issues with strong self-esteem. Despite the oppressors “bitter, twisted lies” and
wishes to see the speaker broken and disparaging, she repeats the phrase, “I rise”, and prods the
oppressor with her unwillingness to give up. This steadfast mind set appeals to all readers, as
everyone has faced something or someone trying to put them down, regardless of race, religion,
or ethnicity. Maya calls the reader to rise above society’s malicious treatment of those different
from them and forget all racist and sexist ideals they have grown up with. Not only are the
oppressors belittled and reshaped, but those who have faced the wrath of them are rejuvenated
with strength and courage by Maya’s strong and determined tone throughout the poem. This
poem helps the reader persevere through the hardships they are bound to face in life, reminding
