Hype Machine

Summary

The web content is a reflective poem by Jenny Justice discussing the influence of societal trends and the "hype machine" on individual goals and creativity, emphasizing the power of community-driven art.

Abstract

The poem titled "Hype Machine" by Jenny Justice delves into the pervasive nature of societal trends and the pressure to conform to popular standards. It describes a two-tiered system where external expectations and internal desires often clash, leading to a fragmented pursuit of goals. The author critiques the top-down cultural dissemination, suggesting that the true essence of creativity lies within the community of artists, writers, and commoners. Despite the allure of mainstream acceptance, Justice encourages individuals to recognize that the collective voice and people's poetry hold the real power. The poem calls for a celebration of community-generated content and the lighting up of the world with authentic, grassroots creativity.

Opinions

The author perceives a societal structure where external validation and the pursuit of fame overshadow personal aspirations.
Justice highlights the illusion that mainstream acceptance equates to success, arguing that it is only a small part of true achievement.
The poem suggests that there is no significant difference between what is mass-produced and what is authentically created within communities.
It criticizes the top-down approach to culture and creativity, implying that it is momentarily exciting but not fulfilling in the long term.
The author emphasizes the importance of community and grassroots movements in shaping culture and creativity.
Justice encourages artists and writers to value their work beyond the recognition it may or may not receive from mainstream sources.
The poem concludes with a rallying cry to embrace and propagate the power of the people's poetry and creativity.

Hype Machine

a poem

Hype machine Two tiered Theirs, ours Pushed out, into feeds Into veins, into habits Hijacking goals into parts Into try for this golden goose And if not settle for the masses The masses are what get the jobs done The jobs of culture the jobs of creation the jobs of sharing The jobs of delving into insights and shaping what’s to be Top down is fun for a while We rush for it We want to hear them call our number, “BINGO!” We want them to be our ticket in There is no difference between what they accept and put out And what we produce on our own for each other Artists, writers Community commoners This does not mean don’t try Feel free It means know this: What they say is everything Is not even a fraction of it The people’s poetry is The power poetry Light it up, Fam Light this world up

Jenny Justice is a mom, Sociology instructor, and writer. You can follow her on Medium and at Jenny Justice, Writer. She has been recognized as a Top Writer on Medium in Poetry, Parenting, Reading, Education, Books, Racism, Feminism and Climate Change, so far.

Hype Machine

Ruins

A poem

Poetry Has Never Been About Silence

A poem, a lesson, a tribute, a connection

There is Only Poetry

a poem in praise, a poem in observation…