[Tracy K. Smith, Life on Mars, 2011]
Tracy K. Smith’s poem, “Sci-Fi” focuses on developing the environment as she imagines a world where equality of all forms, longevity and innovation are possible.
There will be no edges, but curves.
Clean lines pointing only forward.
History, with its hard spine & dog-eared
Corners, will be replaced with nuance,
Just like the dinosaurs gave way
To mounds and mounds of ice.
Women will still be women, but
The distinction will be empty. Sex,
Having outlived every threat, will gratify
Only the mind, which is where it will exist.
For kicks, we’ll dance for ourselves
Before mirrors studded with golden bulbs.
The oldest among us will recognize that glow—
But the word sun will have been re-assigned
To the Standard Uranium-Neutralizing device
Found in households and nursing homes.
And yes, we’ll live to be much older, thanks
To popular consensus. Weightless, unhinged,
Eons from even our own moon, we’ll drift
In the haze of space, which will be, once
And for all, scrutable and safe.
In Smith’s fantasy, there will be no “edges”: restrictions, rules and controlling forces that hinder freedom of expression, in turn jeopardizing one’s right to exist as they are. Instead the standard will be one that’s tolerant with “straight lines pointing only forward”, only towards progressive ideals. This language is symbolic of a circle: the most harmonious geometrical shape where all “edges” are equally distant from the center, just as diverse individuals in society should be in relation to each other. Hierarchy, based on social identity and in general, has no place in Afro-futurism. Identity will be recognized, as it’s important to not be blind to difference, yet not divisive. Smith acknowledges there will be a distinction between men and women, however this will “exist only in the mind”, and not entrenched in systems that directly oppress either party.
In favoring equality, oppressive systems in place that make unconditional freedom and opportunity for black people increasingly harder to conceptualize will be undone. The trauma and abuse stemming from centuries of black history, “with its hard spine & dog-eared corners” will be clouded so that the emotional baggage will no longer be a burden to bear, and black people can be more productive in their pursuit of happiness and success in life.
[Black Panther, Marvel Studios, 2018]
This poem carries the same idea as this scene in Black Panther, where T’Challa is able to seek guidance from his ancestors . In the modern world, it is difficult for African Americans to connect with their ancestors due to the impact of slavery, and their lost African roots. Smith writes that generations of people will be able to live longer, and in turn be able to help the younger generation navigate through their life paths. Black elders will not only be of help to the young but will also celebrate with them. Allowing eroticism to take over their bodies in dance, they too will experience the “glow” from within: a beauty source of power to be found in every “household and nursing home”.
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