1. NewHorizon92

    NewHorizon92 Member

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    Is there a difference between Slam poetry and Poetry?

    Discussion in 'The Craft of Writing Poetry' started by NewHorizon92, Oct 22, 2017.

    I am wondering if there is a difference between the two.
     
  2. big soft moose

    big soft moose An Admoostrator Admin Staff Supporter Contributor Community Volunteer

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    No , Poetry is the overarching field - Slam poetry is that area of the field written for Poetry slams
     
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  3. OurJud

    OurJud Contributor Contributor

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    Yes, slam poetry is performed on a stage, by pretentious, 'hip & trendy' twenty-somethings who use verse to portray their cool 'urban' lifestyles, and is watched by equally pretentious twenty-somethings who will whoop and cheer and applaud noisily with their hands raised above their heads at the end of the reading (and sometimes during if the reader throws in a swear word).
     
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  4. NewHorizon92

    NewHorizon92 Member

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    ouch.
     
  5. OurJud

    OurJud Contributor Contributor

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    Take no notice of me. I'm just a cynical old bastard.
     
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  6. NewHorizon92

    NewHorizon92 Member

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    The comment was pretty 'spicey' lol.
     
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  7. Skibbs

    Skibbs Member

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    Couldn't the same be asked about the Jacket Potato and the generic Potato? I find these styles of writing (not the potatoes, I mean) tend to just be a representation of the times, and how they change according to the latest "trend".

    However, I mostly agree with OurJud:
     
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  8. OJB

    OJB A Mean Old Man Contributor

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    To give a bit more of a neutral stance -though I agree with Jud in principle-

    Slam is mostly improv; they make it up on the spot.

    Written poetry pays careful attention to the use of language, and since you have time, you can better craft your work.
     
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  9. John Calligan

    John Calligan Contributor Contributor

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    I don't know. I've been to some slams and all that stuff sounded pretty polished and rehearsed to me.
     
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  10. G. Anderson

    G. Anderson Active Member

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    They sound like a cheery, supportive bunch! I might look into slam poetry!
     
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  11. OurJud

    OurJud Contributor Contributor

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    Yes. I could be wrong, but I think @OJB may be incorrect. I'm pretty sure it's not made up on the spot.
     
  12. OJB

    OJB A Mean Old Man Contributor

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    I've not gone to one since I was in my early 20s, (I might have even been 19 at the time.) But If I remember the two time I went, there was a musical beat that was picked by random by the D.J, the subject/theme was not known until the event.

    It was like a cross between a rap battle and a poetry-reading.
     
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