poetry 10 : the voice from the niqab
Listen to her voice, even if you can't understand her words. Watch her hands move. Listen to history being made.
From the ABC News site:
"The Arab world's version of "American Idol" isn't about singing at all. It's about poetry. Contestants on the Abu Dhabi TV show "Million's Poet" recite verse in their quest for a top prize of over $1 million. In a part of the world where poets are as famous as rock stars, the show celebrates odes to family, soccer and life in the desert.
But at this week's finale of "Million's Poet" was an amazing sight: A woman was one of five finalists, reciting her controversial poetry in a full niqab. Hissa Hilal is a 43-year-old mother of four from Saudi Arabia who watches the world through slits in her niqab. She used the stage – and her poetry – to send a message, slamming conservative Muslim clerics who she says unfairly separate men and women, spread extremism, and give Islam a bad name."
You can hear more about the importance of this event in this clip from ABC News.
This is the power that poetry holds. It can speak truth to power. Would that poets were as famous as rock stars in this culture. Do we use our voices this powerfully?
[Celebrating Day 10 of National Poetry Month]
