Finding Your Own Voice: “Society” by Imani Phillip

Imani Phillip and Kaylee Pauv

By Kaylee Pauv

Society can have a powerful influence on the way people see themselves. In her poem “Society,” Imani Phillips explores the pressure people face to fit into certain expectations and reminds readers of the importance of being themselves. 

Imani Phillips is an English major in her second year at the University of Bridgeport. She enjoys music and makeup and has written poetry before. In eighth grade, she even won an award for "Best Literature." Her interest in writing and her experience attending CultureCon helped inspire her to write “Society.” She explained that she wanted to think more deeply about society and culture, including her own experiences as a Black woman. 

The poem begins by showing how society tells people how they can act: "Don't do this" and "Don't do that." It also addresses pressure surrounding appearance and body image, such as in the line, "Big lips Big hips," and being told not to eat too much because you will "get fat." These lines show how even small comments and expectations can affect the way people view themselves. 

When asked about her favorite line, Imani chose, "Society's means are to break you down." This line stands out because it captures the main idea of the poem: society can make people feel like they are not good enough or that they need to change who they are. 

However, the poem ultimately encourages readers to resist those expectations. Imani's message is to not follow society's norms simply because they exist. Instead, she encourages people to be different, be themselves, and decide who they want to become. 

“Society” provides a meaningful reminder that our identities should not be controlled by other people's expectations. Through her poetry, Imani encourages readers to find their own voices and confidently be who they want to be. 

Society

By Imani Phillip

Society starts the noise

Tells you to talk with poise

Don’t do this

Don’t do that

Society

Isn't always pretty

Pain hurts

Big lips Big hips

Don't eat too much of that or you’ll get fat

Society’s means are to break you down and build you back up

Always tell you who and what to be

Micro negative nuances we don’t see

You'll be cast out if you see

Besides society

Be who and what you want to be

Disregard society

Imani and Kaylee

Kaylee Pauv is a student at the University of Bridgeport majoring in dental hygiene.