Poetry Unbound Raymond Antrobus — Miami Airport
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Mar 16, 2020 
Raymond Antrobus, an acclaimed poet known for his deep explorations of disempowerment and identity, discusses his poignant poem "Miami Airport." He examines the anxiety and identity crises that arise from being doubted in a space of authority. Antrobus delves into personal experiences of racial profiling and societal perceptions, highlighting the emotional toll of disbelief. Through his narrative, he invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of questioning and reclaiming their voice in the face of misunderstanding.
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Power and Interrogation
- The poem "Miami Airport" uses a series of questions to evoke panic and a sense of powerlessness.
- The questions highlight systemic issues of power and prejudice.
Identity and Prejudice
- Raymond Antrobus's identity as a British Jamaican and deaf man informs the poem's themes.
- The interrogator's questions reveal prejudice based on origin and assumptions about deafness.
Airport Experience
- Pádraig Ó Tuama recounts an experience at an airport where he was quickly waved through customs.
- He reflects on the arbitrary nature of power and the feeling of guilt associated with privilege.