Poem and Image link: https://genius.com/Maya-angelou-equality-annotated
The author, Maya Angelou, uses vivid imagery to convey anti-racist ideas and themes. In the first stanza, from lines, 1-3 Maya describes African-Americans as outcasts of American society, "You declare you see me dimly...though I stand before you boldly"". These lines provide insight into the African-American struggle that Maya Angelou witnesses in real life that African-Americans are seen as inferior because no matter what they achieve, their efforts will be seen "dim" and dull in contrast to the Caucasians of America.
Figurative language is a strong tool that excels in persuasion. A sensitive issue such as racism can be argued with facts but the usage of metaphors and similes adds an emotional oomph and also helps convey a topic like racism in a casual but emotive manner. Additionally, the author has employed the usage of metaphors as she refers to herself as a "shadow", presumably because African-Americans are often overlooked in many areas of society like they don't exist - hence she feels like a shadow, and her experience is reflective of countless others like her who do not feel active members of society.
