Martin Espada's "Bully" and Puerto Rican colonial resistance

Martin Espada's poem "Bully" challenges the image of the conventional American hero, by championing the subjugated peoples of the world like those of Puerto Rico.

"Bully" is about changes taking place in American history and culture.

Specifically, "Bully" is about the way Puerto Ricans have been subjugated by colonial powers.

The title of the poem, "Bully," refers to the aggressive way white European-Americans (including the Spaniards) have been bullies, and have believed in their own superiority.

A statue of Theodore Roosevelt is a central motif, and by having the students destroy it, the poet shows how Roosevelt's methods are outmoded.

Comment on significance of work

Focusing on Theodore Roosevelt in particular, Espada specifically draws the reader's attention to the Spanish-American War, an era in which the United States embarked on its first real imperialistic program

The poem shows how the ordinary, and the "brown" people, of the world, can rise above oppression nonviolently.

II. Background on the author and/or literary work: Espada as Puerto-Rican and American.

A. Major influences on development of the work (either on the author or the work): Espada's father.

1. Espada's father was a political activist in Puerto Rico.

2. Espada came of age during the Civil Rights movement in the United States.

B. Critical reception of the work: Espada's work is hailed as being emblematic as the poetry of the politically marginalized in America.

1. Critics in academia accept Espada's work as being representative of a certain era.

2. Even popular culture, such as Nike, recognizes the value and merit of Espada's work.

III. Commentaries from specific critics

A. Critic #1

1. According to Christiansen, "Espada's poetry is a weapon for justice in a society that oppresses people who aren't white, who don't speak English, whose work…is exploited," (138).

2. Espada's poetry reclaims dignity and respect for "the commonplace subject" and those who have been "normally denied such respect," (Christiansen 138).

IV. Interpretation / Analysis

A. The school in the poem has a largely Puerto Rican demographic and Espada would have been a part of the "army of Spanish-singing children / in the hallways," (Stanza 2).

1. This quote refers to the inevitable changes taking place in American society.

2. By defacing the statue, the children are acting nonviolently but in a symbolic means of political protest.

B. Back-up your interpretation with sources

1. The central motif of the statue of Roosevelt represents the "deconstruction of the monumentality that seals up dominant narratives of the state," (Vincent 1).

2. Espada describes "a new, vibrant, multiethnic nation of Hispanic immigrants gets the upper hand over a bigoted warmonger now fossilized and obsolete" (Salgado 48).

V. Conclusion

A. In "Bully," Espada describes the change in American culture, character, and identity

1. First the Spaniards decimated the Taino people, and then the Americans subjugated the Puerto Ricans.

2. The time has come to live in a more egalitarian society.

B. Espada shows that the new America is one that is vibrantly multicultural, like the colors of the parrot.

1. Terms like "mogrel" were once used in a derogatory fashion, but now being of a mixed racial heritage is a source of pride.

2. In the days of Roosevelt, a belief in white superiority led to unfortunate political decisions that are no longer relevant today.

Closing Statement: Espada shows that unlike the methods used by 19th century imperialists, the use of spray paint is a nonviolent means by which to undermine centuries of oppression.