Protest Poetry: Police Brutality and the Transformation of Gun Control means of expressing social and political dissent. Throughout history, poets have used their verse to highlight injustices and advocate for change. In recent times, police brutality and gun control have emerged as two crucial issues that have inspired poets to take up their pens. This essay explores the evolution of protest poetry about police brutality and gun control, examining how poets have used their words to raise awareness, challenge existing power structures, and inspire action. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Historical Context To understand the evolution of protest poetry on police brutality and gun control, it is crucial to examine the historical context that shaped these issues. Police brutality, particularly against marginalized communities, is not a new phenomenon but has received increased attention in recent years due to the widespread use of social media and citizen journalism. Similarly, the debate around gun control is a long-standing issue in the United States, with recurring incidents of mass shootings fueling the urgency for change.Early voices: Langston Hughes and Gwendolyn BrooksThe voices of Langston Hughes and Gwendolyn Brooks emerged as early pioneers. of protest poetry, laying the foundations for future generations. Langston Hughes, a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, used his poetry to give voice to the struggles of African Americans. In his poem “A Dream Deferred,” Hughes asks thought-provoking questions about the consequences of delaying justice: “What happens to a dream deferred? / Does it dry / like a grape in the sun? » Gwendolyn Brooks, the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for poetry, addressed issues of race and inequality in her work. His poem "The Ballad of Rudolph Reed" explores the tragic consequences of racial discrimination, highlighting the violence faced by African Americans: "And he was lynched / By the meanest men / That you ever saw." » These early voices set a precedent for the use of poetry. as a means of highlighting societal injustices. Contemporary Expressions: Claudia Rankine and Danez Smith In contemporary times, poets like Claudia Rankine and Danez Smith have continued the tradition of protest poetry, focusing on police brutality and control firearms. Claudia Rankine's "Citizen: An American Lyric" is a groundbreaking work that blends poetry, essay and visual art to confront the everyday racism experienced by African Americans. Through powerful and evocative language, Rankine exposes the microaggressions and systemic racism that perpetuate police violence. Danez Smith, a queer Black poet, addresses the intersection of police brutality and gun violence in his collection “Don’t Call Us Dead.” Smith's poetry reflects the pain and anguish of individuals who have lost their lives to police brutality and gun violence. In the poem “Summer Somewhere,” Smith envisions an alternate reality in which black boys killed by police brutality find solace and freedom: “no one considers.