The Elephant in the Room: Fidelity and Ideology in Poetry

The question of whether someone can get better at writing poetry has long been a subject of passionate debate. However, overshadowing this discussion is a more substantial issue: the role of ideology in evaluating poetry. While the technical skill and passion behind the penned words are critical, the broader cultural and ideological landscape significantly influences how and what poetry is deemed 'good' or ‘better.'

Passion and Creativity

At its core, poetry requires a depth of feeling and expression. To write with genuine substance, one must be fueled by a profound emotional experience. The depth and meaning in poetry often stem from the writer's personal passions and the context in which they create. It is the fire of creativity that truly captures an audience's imagination, rather than the specific words chosen.

Cultural Ideological Fiefdoms

The contemporary cultural environment is deeply divided by ideological fiefdoms, each with its own set of beliefs and values. These divisions make it challenging to objectively evaluate poetry without biases creeping into the evaluation process. In this context, the academic and ideological climates can stifle honest discussions about the quality of poetry. There is a prevailing belief that requiring poets to adhere to certain standards or styles of writing can be seen as oppression or encroachment on personal freedom of expression.

Academics and critics are often caught in the middle, navigating these ideological waters while trying to uphold the integrity of poetry. Despite their intentions, they may find themselves constrained by the prevailing norms of their demographic or academic circles. As a result, the evaluation of poetry often becomes a form of cultural negotiation rather than a straightforward assessment of artistic merit.

No Great Poetry in Disagreement

In a world where poetry lacks a significant market due to changing tastes and digital distribution, the idea of evaluating poetry based on its popularity or commercial success becomes questionable. The market itself, as a democratic space, cannot serve as a reliable arbiter of what constitutes great poetry. Attempts to define great poetry in terms of market success are inherently flawed because they ignore the complex social and cultural dimensions that influence a work's reception.

This is particularly evident in the case of minority and diverse voices. In an era where political correctness and sensitivity are paramount, academics and educators often face pressure to validate certain works or poets without questioning the underlying ideologies. Blanket approval of certain poets, regardless of their merit, can contribute to a homogenized cultural landscape where only certain voices are heard.

Resisting Ideological Pressure

In this environment, it is crucial to resist the traps of ideological pressure. Simply being a poet or a teacher of poetry does not guarantee the creation or evaluation of great poetry. The evaluation of poetry should be based on its intrinsic quality, its ability to spark emotions, and its resonance with readers, independent of any ideological affiliations. It is also important to challenge and honestly confront the issues of privilege and bias that can color poetic assessments.

The argument that everyone should be given a poetry trophy for attendance is a critique of the lack of critical evaluation in the contemporary poetic landscape. It highlights the need for a more rigorous and honest approach to evaluating poetry. The traditional metrics of poetic craftsmanship and emotional impact must be preserved in the face of ideological pressure.

Conclusion

The evaluation of poetry must transcend the confines of political correctness and ideological agreement. By understanding and addressing the ideological fiefdoms that influence contemporary poetry, we can foster a more open and honest culture of poetic evaluation. It is the task of poets and critics to ensure that the intrinsic qualities of poetry are not overshadowed by external pressures. Only then can we appreciate the true artistry and depth of poetry.