Checking Out Me History by John Agard is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores themes of identity, history, and cultural heritage. Written in the voice of a Caribbean individual, the poem critiques the Euro-centric education system that often erases or marginalizes the histories of colonized peoples. Agard uses a rhythmic and musical style, blending Caribbean Creole with standard English, to convey a sense of rebellion and pride in reclaiming one’s own history.

The poem begins with the repetitive phrase “Dem tell me,” which reflects the imposed narratives of colonial education. However, the speaker asserts their independence by declaring, “Now I checking out me own history,” symbolizing a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Through this, Agard challenges readers to question the validity of historical accounts that exclude marginalized voices.

By blending personal and collective experiences, Checking Out Me History becomes a celebration of identity and a call to reclaim one’s cultural roots. Its unique structure and language make it a significant work in contemporary poetry, resonating with readers who seek to understand the intersection of history, education, and personal identity.

1.1 Background

Checking Out Me History is a poem by John Agard, a Guyanese-born British poet, playwright, and children’s author. Written in 1996, the poem is part of Agard’s collection From Half-Caste to QC and is widely studied in schools, particularly as part of the GCSE English Literature curriculum in the UK; The poem reflects Agard’s personal experiences as a Caribbean individual living in Britain, grappling with issues of identity, cultural heritage, and the erasure of marginalized histories.

The poem is structured as a first-person narrative, where the speaker recounts the historical narratives they were taught in school, which were heavily Euro-centric and exclusionary. Agard employs a rhythmic, almost musical style, blending Caribbean Creole with standard English. This linguistic choice not only reflects his pride in his Caribbean roots but also serves as a form of resistance against the dominance of colonial language and culture.

A central theme of the poem is the rejection of the limited and biased historical accounts that were imposed upon the speaker during their education. The repeated use of the phrase “Dem tell me” emphasizes the passive reception of information, much of which is irrelevant or harmful to the speaker’s understanding of their own identity. For example, the speaker is taught about European historical events, such as the Norman Conquest of 1066, while being denied knowledge of their own African and indigenous heritage.

The poem also draws attention to the omission of key figures and events from African and Caribbean history. Agard specifically mentions Nanny of the Maroons, a Jamaican national heroine who led a successful rebellion against British colonial forces, and Toussaint Louverture, the leader of the Haitian Revolution. By highlighting these figures, Agard challenges the erasure of Black histories and celebrates the resilience and achievements of marginalized communities.

The lack of punctuation in the poem is a deliberate stylistic choice, creating a sense of flow and continuity that mirrors the speaker’s journey of self-discovery. The enjambment and conversational tone make the poem accessible and engaging, while also underscoring the speaker’s rejection of formal, structured narratives that have been imposed upon them.

Agard’s use of humor and irony further enhances the poem’s impact. For instance, the speaker humorously contrasts the triviality of European fairy tales, such as “Dick Whittington and his cat,” with the richness and significance of African and Caribbean histories. This contrast serves to highlight the absurdity of a system that prioritizes the mundane over the meaningful.

The poem’s title, Checking Out Me History, reflects the speaker’s active pursuit of knowledge and identity. Rather than passively accepting the narratives they were taught, the speaker takes agency in uncovering and reclaiming their own history. This process of “checking out” is both a literal and metaphorical journey, as the speaker seeks to understand and connect with their cultural roots.

John Agard’s work is deeply rooted in his Caribbean heritage, and his poetry often explores themes of identity, race, and colonialism. Checking Out Me History is no exception, offering a powerful critique of the education system and the ways in which history is constructed and presented. By challenging these narratives, Agard’s poem encourages readers to think critically about the histories they are taught and to seek out alternative perspectives.

The poem’s relevance extends beyond the classroom, resonating with individuals from diverse backgrounds who have experienced similar struggles with identity and representation. Through its vivid imagery, rhythmic language, and unapologetic celebration of Caribbean culture, Checking Out Me History has become a cornerstone of contemporary poetry, inspiring readers to reclaim and honor their own histories.

1.2 Importance

Checking Out Me History by John Agard holds significant importance as a poetic work that addresses critical themes of identity, history, and education. The poem challenges the dominant narratives that have historically marginalized African and Caribbean experiences, offering a powerful critique of Euro-centric education systems. By giving voice to these often-overlooked perspectives, Agard’s work fosters a deeper understanding of the importance of diverse representations in literature and education.

One of the key reasons for the poem’s importance lies in its ability to challenge traditional historical narratives. Agard critiques the education system for prioritizing European history while ignoring the rich and complex histories of African and Caribbean peoples. This critique is both timely and timeless, resonating with readers who have experienced similar erasures of their cultural heritage. By highlighting figures such as Nanny of the Maroons and Toussaint Louverture, Agard brings attention to heroes who are often excluded from mainstream historical accounts, thereby enriching readers’ understanding of global history.

The poem’s use of Caribbean Creole adds to its significance. Agard’s choice to blend Creole with standard English reflects his pride in his Caribbean identity and challenges the dominance of colonial languages. This linguistic blend not only makes the poem accessible to readers from Caribbean backgrounds but also serves as a form of resistance against the erasure of minority cultures. By celebrating his heritage through language, Agard empowers readers to embrace their own cultural identities.

Checking Out Me History is also important for its educational value. It is widely studied in schools, particularly in the UK, as part of the GCSE English Literature curriculum. The poem’s inclusion in educational syllabi ensures that young people are exposed to diverse perspectives and encouraged to think critically about the histories they are taught. This fosters empathy, understanding, and a more inclusive approach to learning, which are essential in increasingly diverse societies.

The poem’s message of reclaiming one’s history is universally relevant. Agard’s speaker embarks on a journey of self-discovery, asserting their right to explore and celebrate their own cultural heritage. This theme resonates with anyone who has felt marginalized or excluded from dominant narratives. By emphasizing the importance of personal and collective identity, the poem inspires readers to take an active role in uncovering and honoring their own histories.

Moreover, the poem’s stylistic choices enhance its impact. The lack of punctuation and the use of enjambment create a sense of flow and continuity, mirroring the speaker’s journey of discovery. The rhythmic and musical quality of the language makes the poem engaging and accessible, ensuring that its important messages reach a broad audience. Agard’s use of humor and irony further underscores the absurdity of a system that prioritizes trivial European tales over the rich histories of African and Caribbean peoples.

The cultural significance of Checking Out Me History cannot be overstated. The poem has become a celebrated work in contemporary poetry, inspiring readers to reflect on their own identities and the histories that shape them. By challenging systemic erasures and celebrating marginalized voices, Agard’s work promotes a more inclusive understanding of history and culture. This makes the poem not only a powerful literary achievement but also a vital tool for social change and personal empowerment.

Ultimately, the importance of Checking Out Me History lies in its ability to educate, inspire, and challenge. It addresses systemic issues in education, celebrates the richness of Caribbean culture, and encourages readers to think critically about the histories they are taught. Through its vivid imagery, rhythmic language, and unapologetic celebration of identity, the poem continues to resonate with readers, making it a cornerstone of contemporary poetry and a testament to the enduring power of diverse voices.