Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Casting Call" by Wanda Coleman is a poignant exploration of exploitation, racial and gender discrimination, and the elusive pursuit of recognition within the entertainment industry. Set against a backdrop of auditions and casting calls, the poem delves into the experiences of an individual navigating the treacherous waters of Hollywood, where dreams and dignity are often compromised in the quest for success. Coleman uses vivid imagery, irony, and stark realism to critique the systemic injustices that pervade the industry, highlighting the personal toll on those who dare to aspire within its confines.

The poem opens with an intimate moment, "snow in the blood. my lover's coo," juxtaposing the warmth of personal connection against the cold, harsh realities of the industry. The "maroon man in the black stingy brim" symbolizes the gatekeepers of Hollywood, offering false promises of inclusion ("an honorary member of the camera crew") and superficial tokens of acceptance ("a nip of concord grape") in exchange for personal and sexual favors. This transactional nature of relationships in the industry is further emphasized through the invasive request for the speaker's "zodiac sign and floor plan," reducing the speaker to an object of curiosity and exploitation.

The mention of "stars twinkle twinkle in asphalt" serves as a metaphor for the shattered dreams of countless aspirants, whose hopes of stardom are grounded in the harsh reality of the "unemployment office." The casting director's dismissal of the speaker's physical attributes and the reduction of their role to that of a "good secretary" underscores the superficial and often demeaning criteria upon which talent is judged, sidelining genuine ability in favor of physical appearance.

The Haitian photographer's "composite of seductees" and the commodification of the speaker's body ("takes my vital statistics down to ring size") illustrate the dehumanization and objectification faced by those seeking a place in the spotlight. The diagnosis of being "vitamin-M deficient" (likely a reference to melanin) with "little hope for cure and less for a part" starkly highlights the racism and colorism that limit opportunities for Black actors and actresses, relegating them to the margins of an industry that refuses to see beyond skin color.

The seersucker film producer's failure to see the speaker's potential, despite recognizing them as a marketable "item," reveals the shallow and fickle nature of industry gatekeepers, who are quick to dismiss talent that does not conform to their narrow standards of marketability. The speaker's disillusionment is captured in the loss of identity and direction, "lost in the parking mall, unable to locate my car unable to remember my name," symbolizing the erasure of self that occurs in the relentless pursuit of an elusive dream.

"Casting Call" is a powerful commentary on the exploitation and systemic barriers faced by Black individuals in the entertainment industry. Through the speaker's journey, Coleman exposes the degrading casting processes and the commodification of bodies and identities for profit. The poem serves as a critique of the industry's superficiality and discrimination, calling attention to the need for systemic change. Through her incisive portrayal of the dark underbelly of Hollywood, Coleman invites readers to reflect on the cost of ambition and the resilience of those who continue to aspire despite the odds against them.

POEM TEXT: https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/mqr/2020/01/casting-call/

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