Uncle Says: Challenge the Status Quo
The latest installment of the Uncle Says Series by A.R.Arthur
Dear reader,
Uncle has been reflecting on the stagnancy of Anglo-centric literature. Despite the near universal importance of English globally, I often wonder why there is such opposition to other language inclusion in the literary world. Why must I read thirty poems titled ‘Aubade to…’ or ‘Ars Poetica’? Ironically, both incorporate other Indo-European language elements that, although now synonymous with English, are not from the language. Having read 1000s of submissions, I question why resistance is so powerful against linguistic inclusion. However, I have come to understand this obstinance in three main ways:
Firstly, this disdain is rooted in the same bigotry that views Anglo-centric writing to be superior to that of the rest of the world.
Secondly, and stemming from the aforementioned statement, this gatekeeping is driven by the same nexus that perpetuates racism and all the other ‘-isms’ that prevent true literary equality. Typically, one is lucky to find inclusion of some European languages within the literary fold. Seldom seen are those of Asia, Arabia, Africa or even the various languages of the Native American peoples.
Thirdly, I have come to understand this obstinance as rooted in capitalist ideology. The money is held by anglophones and their nation states that play just as big a role in assisting the maintenance of this status quo.
Perhaps a mere ignorance pervades our thinking as English speakers as if we have some form of ascribed power that lifts up our words and relegates the words of the global south and parts of the global north to the fringes of ‘acceptable’ literature. Ironically, inclusivity with regards to other languages is contrasted by a growing acceptance of simplified language that results in trite, common depictions, metaphors and narratives. Or so wider editorial ramblings suggest!
Therefore, I put it to you to challenge the status quo! Use the complex vocabulary and challenge English supremacy. If you’re a monolingual English speaker then get on Duolingo and add to the growing number of voices that seek true inclusion beyond the confines of ludicrous English superiority complex. Always challenge and reach new heights through the unknown.
Until next month!
—Uncle
A.R. Arthur (formerly A.R. Salandy) is a Black Mixed-race poet & writer whose work has been published over 240 times internationally. Anthony has 3 published chapbooks titled 'The Great Northern Journey' 2020 (Lazy Adventurer Publishing) & 'Vultures' 2021 (Roaring Junior Press) as well as a novel 'The Sands of Change' 2021 (Alien Buddha Press). Anthony's Chapbook 'Half Bred' was the Winner of the 2021 'The Poetry Question' Chapbook contest. Anthony is the EIC of Fahmidan Journal/Publishing & Co, Review Editor at Full House Literary & Poetry Editor at Chestnut Review. Twitter/Insta: @ararthurwriter