Ep 6. Listen to the Poem!

In season 1 episode 6 of America to Me, titled "Listen to the Poem!", the focus is on poetry and its power to express emotions and thoughts that are difficult to articulate. The episode begins with English teacher Jessica Stovall's class discussing their experiences with police brutality and discrimination, leading to a powerful poetry reading by one student.

Throughout the episode, various students turn to poetry as a means of expressing their experiences and feelings. Kendale, who struggles to find his place at the predominantly white school, writes a poignant poem about feeling like an outsider. Meanwhile, Chanti, a talented artist, uses her creative talents to give voice to her frustration with the school's homogeneity.

However, not everyone is receptive to the power of poetry. White students Matt and Grant dismiss the relevance of rap lyrics as poetry and focus solely on their own experiences, revealing their ignorance and lack of empathy towards their peers of color.

The episode also highlights the role of educators in fostering an environment where young people feel comfortable expressing themselves through poetry. English teacher Peter Kavinsky encourages his students to share their work with each other, creating a space for authentic exchange and growth. However, it becomes clear that not every teacher is equipped to handle such vulnerability and openness, as demonstrated by Coach Dave's awkward attempts to engage with his students' writing.

Ultimately, "Listen to the Poem!" explores the power of creative expression and the role that schools can play in either stifling or nurturing young people's potential for self-expression and growth.