In her poem “Homage to my Hips,” Lucille Clifton, an American writer and poet, explores societal issues. She praises her hips as a representation of freedom from close-minded opinions while expressing confidence and self-esteem. Using precise language and personification, Clifton highlights the embodiment of her strong convictions within her hips. Furthermore, she boldly declares that she will not adhere to society’s standards concerning physical attractiveness, race, or sexual orientation.
Clifton’s poem challenges societal beauty standards by asserting the largeness of her hips and refusing to conform (1). She takes pride in her appearance, defying society’s expectation for women to be thin (2). Clifton emphasizes that her hips require both physical and emotional space to move (3). This suggests she not only deviates from the idealized “American” woman in size but also possesses intense emotions. Additionally, she declares that her hips will not fit into small or insignificant places (4, 5).
She expresses her refusal to conform to societal norms and rejects narrow-mindedness. She proudly stands tall, unaffected by the size of her hips. Clifton also defends her ethnicity, proclaiming that her hips are liberated and unyielding. As an African American woman, she believes in Civil Rights and fights for freedom regardless of skin color (5, 6, 7). Additionally, she asserts that her hips have never been enslaved (8).
During the time in which this poem was published, the Civil Rights movement was still somewhat new to America, and Clifton is emphasizing that despite any societal expectations or limitations, she is a free woman. Clifton boldly declares that her hips have autonomy, as they go where they want to go and do what they want to do. This signifies her refusal to be bound by racial views or societal constraints, as she confidently chooses her own path and actions.
Clifton asserts that no one can obstruct her path to freedom. She will remain a resilient, independent woman with a unique perspective and lifestyle. In addition to defying societal norms regarding beauty and ethnicity, Clifton refuses to let them inhibit her sexually. She proudly proclaims that her hips are not only mighty, but also magical (12).
The author discusses the attention her hips receive from men and how they are attracted to her. She acknowledges their gaze and feels no shame. Despite societal expectations for women to be modest, Clifton chooses to defy this norm. At the end of her poem, she confidently declares that her hips have the power to captivate and mesmerize men. She takes pride in her ability to bewitch men with her hips, not conforming to society’s belief that women should not assert themselves in such a way.
Lucille Clifton, in her poem, defied societal norms and refused to conform to the established standards regarding her physical appearance, ethnicity, and sexuality. Through her deliberate selection of words and incorporation of personification, Clifton articulates her unwavering commitment to living life on her own terms. This defiance culminates in the creation of a powerful literary work.
Works Cited
- Clifton, Lucille. “Homage to My Hips”. Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing.
