Cirilo Bautista's poem "Oh How To Find Silence In the World" delves into the complexities of racial prejudice and its impact on individuals within society. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Bautista offers readers a raw and honest portrayal of the fear, discomfort, and discrimination experienced by those who are marginalized due to their race.
The poem opens with the speaker's reflection on racial prejudice, as they navigate their surroundings in San Francisco while waiting for a bus to Iowa. The speaker's awareness of being "spotted in the color of skin" underscores the pervasive nature of racism and its influence on everyday interactions. Bautista's use of imagery, such as the speaker shivering from fear and hunger, evokes a sense of vulnerability and unease, highlighting the emotional toll of racial discrimination.
As the poem unfolds, the speaker encounters a Negro man at the station, whose presence elicits a mixture of fear and discomfort. The man's African hairdo and small whip serve as symbols of resistance and defiance against oppression, challenging the status quo and disrupting the silence imposed by racial prejudice. The speaker's reluctance to make eye contact with the man reflects a sense of internalized fear and shame, as they grapple with their complicity in perpetuating racial stereotypes.
Through the interaction between the Negro man and the white individuals at the station, Bautista sheds light on the power dynamics at play in situations of racial prejudice. The silence and discomfort exhibited by the white individuals in the presence of the Negro man underscore the underlying tensions and inequalities that pervade society. Bautista's observation that "the Whites there too were quiet, so quiet, unable to speak in front of that Negro" poignantly captures the stifling effect of racial prejudice on both the oppressed and the oppressor.
In conclusion, "Oh How To Find Silence In the World" by Cirilo Bautista is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of racial prejudice and its impact on individuals within society. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Bautista offers readers a glimpse into the emotional and psychological toll of racism, while also challenging readers to confront their own biases and complicity in perpetuating systems of oppression. This timely and important poem serves as a reminder of the need for empathy, understanding, and solidarity in the fight against racial injustice.