Anti-Americanization: Resisting Cultural Erasure and Identity Obliteration in Selected American Poems

Abstract

Anti-Americanization in poetry is a stance adopted by poets who resist and oppose the impact of enforcing American standards on other cultures and traditions. These poets question the concept of the melting pot society and interrogate the method by which the notion of Americanness marginalizes experiences, obliterates identities, and wipes out other people’s history for multi-cultural erasure.

The study underlines the problematic aspect of this hegemonizing force that attempts to erode cultural diversity. This force promotes made-in-USA consumerism; prevents others from using their language through mobilizing all means to make English the only official language in the United States, and imposes certain standards on external appearance and fashion to eliminate the identity of the immigrants.

The role of those poets, who support anti-Americanism, is to challenge mainstream narratives and give alternative perspectives. They concentrate on marginalized voices, explore the complexities of American society, and question dominant power structures. The study discusses selected poems by four American poets, including Pablo Neruda, Martin Espada, Lucille Clifton, and Mohja Kahf.

The study sheds light on these poets, who, among others, foreground anti-Americanism and support multicultural communities. They resist normative assumptions, refuse stereotypical identifications, and provide a counterpoint to prevailing American mindsets.