Biographical Analysis of “Commitments” and “People Who Take Care”
The effects of people’s life stories or biographies effect their writing in ways that are sometimes obvious but other times they are sometimes hard to notice. By reading the biography of the author it can give insight to how they were affected by the period in which they lived and the circumstances they encountered. An author’s intention or audience may also be relayed. A character may be a reflection of the author themselves, someone they knew, or a complete work of fiction. It is best not to make assumptions but at times it can be hard when it seems very personable to the author’s story. In a writing such as “Commitments” by Essex Hemphill, it is suggested that he is using his own experiences to influence the writing because of the emotion in the words and story told. When I first read through I thought if the Jackson 5 song, “I’ll be there” but after reading it again it became clear that it was more about playing a role or part in the family rather than just being there for someone when needed. In “People Who Take Care” by Nancy Henry. She describes how “people who take care of people are not worth much” (Henry 3-4). In her biography it is explained how she was a hard worker. I imagine this must be how she felt or what she saw in those around her. Both of these writings take a very different aspect to their life. While Hemphill’s writing seems more personal Henrys seems more of a story about another or maybe of fiction.
The biography of Hemphill describes his struggles in the period he lived about race, culture, his sexual orientation, and his place in that world (661). From this the writing seems more about having to hide ones unique self to fit in with what is expected from society. This is a battle many people felt especially those of ethnic background and, at that time, an unacceptable sexual orientation. There was a lot of discrimination. One of the hardest things for gays during this period was employment (Ford). Hemphill experiences discrimination not only for his race but also his homosexuality. Businesses refused to hire gays “regardless of their qualifications and fire any who manage to be hired while closeted” (Ford). Similar limitations were also felt by blacks during this time in many more commonly known issues. These aspects must have effected his writing and came across in lines such as “I smile everyday as I serve my duty” (Hemphil 34), “I will always be there” (Hemphil 1), and how his family is “expecting to throw rice at me someday” (Hemphill 18). It makes me wonder was this how he felt or how others he related to felt during this discriminatory time in our history.
It must not have been easy to be different than the expectations of the time, family and society. His biography suggests that he was a fighter and not afraid to stand up for his beliefs and opinions. It states he was a member of the “black gay rights movement” (661). There are several movements for black rights we learned about in school but one the gay rights movements are not taught. Once of the biggest gay rights movements in history are the “Stonewall Riots.” They began at Stonewall Inn bar and moved to the streets of New York City. The confrontation between the individuals turned protestors and the police actually began the bases for many rights groups today. Hemphill may have been a little young for this one event but may have been a big part of other events later in history. Although this event was a turning point for gay rights it was only the beginning and did not erase the discrimination Henry probably continued to experience throughout his short life. The poem does describes his dedication to standing up for what he believed to be right. I believe this writing may have been about his own oppression. His lack of ability to fit in comes through as he describes his empty arms while others “in the photos the smallest of children are held by their parents” (Hemphil 13-15).
An education can help us to obtain a better future but this can also vary based on the choice of career. She was a writer, a graduate, and a lawyer. Each of things choices has a great impact on those around her. In a way all of her successes are for the benefit of others. Her writing describes the difficulty in helping others and holding personal value. Though if she was to teach alone she may not have the financial advantages to that of a law alone. It seems that she might be describing events that she observed maybe a nurse or care giver such as hinted when referring to the only ones appreciating the help is the ones being helped. The biography doesn’t provide many details but I expect maybe she is describing another life she may have had or wanted or maybe even that of a friend or fellow student. It is a great burden felt by many individuals that care for others that it may not be appreciated for the great sacrifice they make in order to do these tasks. It is often that they “get paid less than anybody” (Henry 2)
Both of the poems reflect the experiences of the authors and their experiences. A persons writing is a reflection of the author’s opinions, feelings, and or experiences. Just as both of these author’s used their experiences became the foot hold to their many great works of writing it continues to be reflected by writer’s every day. Hemphill and Henry had very different backgrounds and experiences but they were both able to create inspirational and emotional work. Henry created this work almost as a story telling that of a helping hand and how it can be unappreciated whereas Hemphill described the way he would be forever seen in his family photographs. It makes me wonder more about their personal stories and how more details would provide a greater insight these 2 great writings.