What is the significance of the title - Sykalo Eugen 2023

What is the significance of the title Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine (2014)

The title "Citizen: An American Lyric" by Claudia Rankine, published in 2014, holds profound significance and serves as a central theme that resonates throughout the book. The title carries multiple layers of meaning that reflect the essence of the book's exploration of race, identity, and belonging in America:

1. Collective Identity: The term "Citizen" emphasizes the idea of belonging to a nation and the shared experiences, rights, and responsibilities that come with citizenship. However, the title also raises questions about who is considered a full and equal citizen in America.

2. Racial Identity: "Citizen" speaks to the lived experiences of being a person of color in America. It reflects the challenges and complexities faced by racial and ethnic minorities in a society that often fails to fully recognize and respect their citizenship rights.

3. Themes of Belonging and Exclusion: The title "Citizen" evokes themes of belonging and exclusion, as the book explores the ways in which racialized individuals may be treated as outsiders or face discrimination despite being citizens of the country.

4. A Call for Recognition: The title can be seen as a call for recognition and acknowledgment of the experiences of people of color in America. It demands that their stories and voices be heard and valued.

5. Artistic Expression: The phrase "An American Lyric" suggests that the book's exploration of race and identity is expressed through lyricism, poetry, and prose. It reflects the use of creative and evocative language to convey the experiences of racism and microaggressions.

6. Reflection on American Society: The title "Citizen: An American Lyric" implies that the book provides a critical examination of American society and its treatment of its citizens, particularly those who face systemic racism and discrimination.

7. Themes of Empowerment and Resistance: The title can also be seen as empowering, as it highlights the individual's status as a citizen with rights and the potential to resist and challenge systemic injustice.

In summary, the title "Citizen: An American Lyric" in Claudia Rankine's book embodies themes of collective and racial identity, belonging and exclusion, a call for recognition, artistic expression, reflection on American society, and themes of empowerment and resistance. It serves as a powerful and evocative entry point into a lyrical exploration of race, identity, and the complexities of being a person of color in America.