Summary
The website content features a poem by Marla Bishop that creatively addresses the need for pandemic safety measures, inspired by a Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness advert.
Abstract
The poem "Rocking the Message in a Rub-a-Dub Stylee" by Marla Bishop is an artistic response to the coronavirus pandemic, emphasizing the importance of maintaining distance, wearing masks, and avoiding physical contact to ensure survival and see another day. The work is influenced by a public service announcement from Jamaica's Ministry of Health and Wellness and is written in a dialect that includes phrases like "Dats" for "that's" and "Mebbe" for "maybe," giving it a unique cultural flavor. Bishop, a relationship coach and writer based in London, infuses the poem with a rhythmic and musical quality, reminiscent of the "sound of or as of a drum being beaten," which is characteristic of the rub-a-dub style. The poem is accompanied by a YouTube video that likely further illustrates the message of the poem.
Opinions
- The poem conveys a strong message of personal responsibility during the pandemic, urging individuals to take preventive measures seriously.
- The use of Jamaican dialect and cultural references adds authenticity and a sense of place to the poem, potentially making it more relatable to readers from similar backgrounds.
- The author's choice to include a glossary suggests an awareness of the poem's cultural specificity and a desire to make the content accessible to a broader audience.
- The reference to the Ministry of Health and Wellness advert indicates that the poem is not only a personal expression but also a public health advocacy tool.
- The poem's tone is one of cautious optimism, acknowledging the severity of the pandemic while also encouraging resilience and hope for the future.
