Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Way It Was" by Lucille Clifton succinctly captures a profound and personal experience of racial identity and the pressures of assimilation within a specific historical context. In just a few lines, Clifton conveys the complex interplay between self-perception, societal expectations, and racial dynamics in America during the 1940s. This poem, like much of Clifton’s work, explores themes of identity, race, and the individual’s struggle for self-definition in the face of external pressures.

The poem opens with the speaker recalling how "i walked out quietly / mornings / in the ’40s," immediately setting the scene in a specific time period known for its conservative social norms and racial segregation. The quietness of the speaker's departure suggests an attempt to go unnoticed, to blend into the background in a society where her presence as a Black woman could provoke scrutiny or discrimination.

Describing herself as "a nice girl / not touching," Clifton uses sparse language to evoke a sense of restraint and caution. The speaker’s self-imposed physical distance from others reflects the internalized pressure to adhere to societal norms and the desire to avoid conflict or attention. This behavior is indicative of the larger context of racial segregation and the strict social codes that governed interactions between people of different races.

The line "trying to be white" is a powerful and poignant conclusion to the poem, encapsulating the core of the speaker’s internal conflict. This attempt to assimilate, to adopt the characteristics of the dominant culture, speaks volumes about the impact of systemic racism and the insidious nature of white supremacy. It underscores the psychological toll of living in a society that valorizes whiteness and marginalizes Black identity, leading individuals to feel pressured to erase or diminish their racial identity in order to gain acceptance or safety.

"The Way It Was" is a testament to Lucille Clifton’s ability to convey complex and weighty themes through concise and impactful poetry. By drawing on her personal experiences and the broader historical context, Clifton invites readers to reflect on the enduring consequences of racism and the ongoing struggle for racial equality. Through her exploration of the nuances of identity and the painful realities of assimilation, Clifton challenges us to confront our own complicity in systems of oppression and to recognize the dignity and value of every individual’s identity.

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