Sabrina Benaim’s “explaining my depression to my mother / a conversation” and Blythe Baird’s “WHEN THE FAT GIRL GETS SKINNY” as Social Activism. Spoken Word Poetry and the Destigmatization of Mental Illness

Abstract

In this thesis I analyse the poems “explaining my depression to my mother / a conversation” by Sabrina Benaim and “WHEN THE FAT GIRL GETS SKINNY” by Blythe Baird through the lens of depression and anxiety, and eating disorders respectively, to examine the interplay between social activism, spoken word poetry, destigmatization, and mental illness. I discuss these poems through the lens of social activism to show that the poets, as representatives of the spoken word community, take action to promote changes in the existing social order where mental illnesses are continuously stigmatized. I show how Benaim and Baird help the reader to acquire a greater sense of understanding and empathy for people with a mental illness – thus destigmatizing mental illnesses – in four ways. Firstly, by presenting something relatable and then applying it to the experiences of the poet. Secondly, by countering stereotypes and common misconceptions about their mental illnesses. Thirdly, by putting into words the complexity of mental illnesses. Lastly, by conveying that recovery is possible. I explain how both poets embody the text through rhetorical techniques, gesture, tone, rhythm, and emotion, turning it into a lived – rather than read – text. This lived text creates a space for the audience to experience what the poets discuss in their texts, further facilitating understanding and empathy. I exhibit how Benaim and Baird help to destigmatize mental illness by creating a platform for their audience to discuss their struggles and build a community.