Paper Doll Poem Analysis

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The slam poem “Paper Dolls” written and performed by Sierra DeMuddler is an engaging and provocative piece about common stereotypes of women as well as the effects sexual abuse has on its victims.
Stereotypes are extremely apparent in our society. When watching this slam poem, a theme that almost instantly emerged was common female stereotypes. I am passionate about breaking common stereotypes of women- we are not just fragile, soft, hairless princesses that don’t like what you’re offering unless its pink and glittery. We are strong and capable of doing anything males do. “You can only laugh cutely or cry beautifully” was a lyric that resonated with me because it is such a real expectation of being a woman. In the world, we live in today women are expected to exude beauty and grace with everything we do, and if not what a mess our lives must be. “We are taught from the moment we leave our pink nurseries we are collapsible paper dolls”. Females are expected to behave passively and be submissive to men. We are supposed to cook and clean and look after the children while our strong, successful husbands are out earning money. Apparently, we aren’t good at maths or science and are …show more content…

Light to hold, easier to crumple” this relates to the other key theme apparent throughout the poem- female stereotypes. As I mentioned earlier the long age stereotype that all females are softly spoken, smooth skinned, incapable of important jobs and live under the strong wing of a man, has lead men and even women to believe that’s how it has to be.” Don’t stand too tall, don’t act too strong” this symbolism used in DeMuddler poem perfectly represents this stereotype. I believe that the way DeMuddler compares the characteristics of a paper doll with that of the stereotype is very well crafted and comes across so powerfully in the delivery of the slam

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