No Problem (Benjamin Zephaniah)

No Problem by Benjamin Zephaniah is a powerful and defiant response to racial prejudice, showcasing Zephaniah's ability to blend personal experience with social commentary in his poetry. Through the voice of the speaker, the poem challenges stereotypes, asserts individuality, and promotes unity and understanding across racial divides. You can read the poem below and find analysis further down the page.

No Problem by Benjamin Zephaniah

I am not de problem

 But I bear de brunt

 Of silly playground taunts

 An racist stunts,

I am not de problem

 I am born academic

 But dey got me on de run

 Now I am branded athletic

 I am not de problem

If yu give I a chance

 I can teach yu of Timbuktu

 I can do more dan dance,

 I am not de problem

 I greet yu wid a smile

Yu put me in a pigeon hole

 But I am versatile

 These conditions may affect me

 As I get older,

 An I am positively sure

I have no chips on me shoulders,

 Black is not de problem

 Mother country get it right 

 An juss fe de record,

 Sum of me best friends are white.

Analysis:

The poem challenges stereotypes and racial prejudices faced by the speaker, who asserts their individuality and rejects being labelled as "the problem."

The repetition of the phrase "I am not de problem" reinforces the speaker's assertion of innocence and refusal to accept blame for societal issues.

The use of non-standard English ("de" instead of "the") and Jamaican Patois adds authenticity to the voice of the speaker and emphasises cultural identity.

The poem highlights the impact of discrimination on the individual, including facing taunts, stereotypes, and being pigeonholed.

The speaker refutes stereotypes by highlighting their academic abilities, cultural knowledge, and versatility beyond athletic stereotypes.

Zephaniah employs wordplay and rhythm, as seen in phrases like "bear de brunt" and "I have no chips on me shoulders," enhancing the poem's impact and making it memorable.

The poem concludes with a powerful assertion of unity and common humanity, emphasising that race should not be a barrier to friendship or understanding.

Themes:

Racial prejudice and stereotypes: The poem addresses the harmful effects of racial prejudice and stereotypes on individuals and society.

Identity and individuality: The speaker asserts their own identity and challenges societal expectations and labels imposed on them.

Resilience and defiance: Despite facing discrimination, the speaker remains resilient and refuses to internalise negative stereotypes or accept blame for societal problems.

Unity and diversity: The poem emphasises the importance of recognising and celebrating diversity while rejecting divisive attitudes based on race.

Language and Structure:

The use of non-standard English and Jamaican Patois reflects the speaker's cultural background and adds authenticity to their voice.

Repetition ("I am not de problem") and rhythm contribute to the poem's assertive and confrontational tone.

The poem is structured as a series of assertions and rebuttals, gradually building the speaker's argument and defiance against racial prejudice.

Conclusion 

No Problem by Benjamin Zephaniah addresses themes of racial prejudice, stereotypes, and identity in a confrontational yet resilient manner. Zephaniah often explores themes of race, identity, and social justice in his works, drawing from his own experiences as a black British man.

You can find analysis of all the Edexcel Conflict Poetry Anthology Poems here.