"Still I Rise" is a poem by African-American poet Maya Angelou, written in 1970, in which she discusses anti-Afro racism -Americans and sexism against black women. . Precisely, this poem shows how black women in African American society were judged and how they gained the power to overcome this unfair treatment. The poem “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou explains how black women gained confidence and self-respect through the impression of white oppressors who oppressed them. Angelou describes this using her personal experiences and literary talent to show 1970s society how difficult it was to combat racism and sexism, especially for black women. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original Essay “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou is derived from the historical context of discrimination that was partly ending in the 1920s. In By the 1920s, segregation and discrimination against African Americans had ended, but a new injustice was beginning against black women. Maya Angelou is considered an activist known for her contributions to the African-American civil rights movement and is renowned for her excellent portraits of historically discriminated populations, in hopes of creating a movement to end sexism and racism towards black women. “Excellence is the best deterrent against racism or sexism” (Oprah Winfrey). It shows Angelou's dearest friend supporting her thoughts and helping her throughout her devastating life experiences. Angelou writes this poem so that the voices of minorities are heard and to expose the crime of discrimination. She uses her literary talent to express injustice. This poem has a variety of literary devices, such as similes, figurative language, and allusions that transfer the message of Angelou's spirit and poetics "the soul to the readers", in other words, saying that a soul has its purpose for each individual and that you should “Still I Rise” depicts a profound recognition of the reality of the fundamental problems of black women in 1970s America. “You can shoot me with your words, You can cut me with your eyes” (Angelou line 21-22). Angelou's inspirations behind her poem come from her past life experiences. She comes from a small, segregated town in the Deep South and had to have high hopes to survive "racial hatred." Her dark moments from her childhood can be seen in the poem when she says "You may tread me in the earth" (Angelou line 3). She suffered discrimination, which strengthened her determination to be raised by her family. Therefore, this could be argued, but it made her a confident but also emotionally tough person. These identities were evident when she asked, “Does my arrogance offend you?” (Angelou line 21) “Does my sexiness bother you?” (Angelou line 25). The power of the words used here can also be seen as Angelou being a feminist, which, according to Black Woman's engagement with Black Power in politics, has led to a resounding freedom. This sparked the rise and development of women's liberation in the 1970s. Coincidentally, it uses the power of language to empower people who suffer in silence. His personal life experience influences him. For example, when her parents divorced and she was sexually assaulted by the boyfriendfrom her mother, she had a complex. His life was full of endless misery. However, towards the end of her poem, she tells the audience that the severe suffering she endured in her past gave her enough power to strengthen herself, raise her voice, and help other women in society embrace who they are. are. “I get up, I get up, I get up” (Angelou lines 41-43). This poem is a strong moral towards her enemies where she assures that no one will caress their actions to speak for who she is butse. She simply embraces her greatness and that of all the other women who are indulgent towards them. “Still I Rise” taught moral living: “Don’t let oppression bring you down and never let your past dominate your presenter ruin your future!” » Similes are used throughout this poem and commonly in literature. Angelou captures the audience's attention and interest by making distinctive comparisons. Angelou portrays confidence with her humor and a positive tone in her poem, such as "'Cause I walk like I got oil wells pumpin' in my living room" (Angelou 7). In the 1970s, this phrase was considered an absurd joke that a black woman was rich enough to own oil wells. Ignoring this judgment, she walks proudly with her head held high as if she were a luxurious woman. This is a very good example from Maya Angelou of how she carries herself in public and lets others know about her place in society and the equal rights she has. Another next example is “Because I laugh as if I had gold mines” / “Dig in my own garden” (Angelou 19-20). She expresses how she would like to laugh at her oppressors, out loud and with satisfaction. Pulling with another simile is “That I dance like I have diamonds” “Where my thighs meet?” (Angelou 27-28). Angelou playfully shows the comparison between her pride in being a black woman and the most expensive jewelry, compares her genitals to diamonds and thus emphasizes that she is worth it and expensive, regardless of her skin color or gender. Oil wells, diamonds, and gold mines are symbols of wealth that at the same time symbolize dignity and fair treatment, as well as the respect she and black women deserve from society. Angelou throughout the poem uses only one simile to show her weakest moment when she draws our sympathy to her sadness, loneliness and emptiness “Shoulders falling like tears”, “Weakened by my cries moving? (Angelou 15-16). However, this weakness does not prevent him from fighting to have the same rights as everyone else. Other comparisons, but the most sincere, are “Like the moons and like the suns” (Angelou 9). “Like hopes springing up,” (Angelou 11). “But still, like dust, I will rise” (Angelou 4) “But still, like air, I will rise” (Angelou 24). She refers to the sun and the moon, she will continue to rise and learn from her failure. Like dust, it will rise high after being trodden on, and like air, it will rise strongly. For example, we can understand that air refers to a feeling of encouragement and dust to waking up. These comparisons that she uses to share her personal experiences have given black women in society the motivation to never give up on themselves, no matter the conditions, but rather to stand up. “Still I Rise” uses simile to attract attention by expressing complex emotions. Therefore, it also uses allusions, which is an essential aspect that helps bring out the achievements of “..