Sensuality, Eroticism, Vulgarity, Pornography and Poetry REVISED

I was listening to one of my favorite poets. She has a beautiful poem, entitled "Untitled". It is a haunting poem discussing the lack of positivity and romantic archetypes for black women. Particularity little black girls who seemingly obtain their ideas related to femininity, sexism, sensuality and the definition of being a woman from music videos. Videos which stereotype women. Women, who seemingly make choices to pursue the career as what has been dubbed "video ho". Music videos have become modern day soft porn, with some videos with content so explicit that they must be shown after hours. No, I am not preaching. No, I am not prudish. No, I am not hating. Just bringing up a point. I have beautiful little nieces. My friends have equally as beautiful little girls. And I fear that the subconscious messages that are being sent thru print and media are destructive to a little girl's dreams and goals. I believe that the message regarding a little girl's self esteem and sexuality needs to be addressed.
Many things happened over the last couple of weeks. I've been listening to the cd since I coped it from Funky Mike. 1) I have become a bit more conscious of erotic poetry because of our venue. Restaurant. 2) Erotic vs Sensuality, few are able to discern the difference. 3) Why it seems to be becoming popular at our venue. Aside from the two poets known for erotic poetry, I believe the others are doing it to elicit a reaction from the audience, i.e . popularity. 4) When is it disrespectful? And does the poet know that fine line? 5) I sat and observed a couple of people who ogled and literally stripped every woman with a glance who passed. Even more disturbing.. they were woman. 6) I watched the little girl "crunk" dancing in the Rize video.
Untitled particularity struck a cord last Thursday afternoon. I was riding around doing errands listening to the cd. And almost, for the very first time, since Nationals, almost out of no where, I heard "...spread your legs monkey bitch, you know you want this.... that ni%%a wench you pulled a train on.... the main attraction on a cruise line of christians." And I was spelled bound. And in that moment it all made sense. I was thinking of the previous night of poetry. It took a turn and I for the life of me could not understand how or why. I remember being angered, incensed on various levels. Don't get me wrong it was a hot night of poetry. It's just, on some levels as I watched the audience reaction to what was being said on stage
Sexuality aside. I am not a fan of erotic poetry. Mostly because the AVERAGE POET does it with LITTLE if ANY TASTE. Leaving nothing to the imagination and often comes across more vulgar than erotic. Secondly, I believe the poet mistakes a reaction for a response. Thirdly, which brings me to my point. The audience is predominately black women. Like most black women, women in general, I've had my share of unwanted advances, perverse, inappropriate behaviors, vulgar gestures, as well as overall disrespect and disregard for my boundaries and space. I don't know if I can attribute having a father, a grandmother who made sure I was aware of the birds and the bees, or having a village of independent, strong women that allows me to have a quiet strength and dignity about my role as a woman, confidence regarding my power as a woman, and complete control and feelings of security regarding my sexuality and sensuality. In other words I know who I am and what I am about. Today, I don't question it. And it pains me to observe on some levels that we as a collective don't have that same level of consciousness. That we continue to allow ourselves to be subjected and ridiculed, almost as if we are nothing more than sheer entertainment, or worse, our presence seen as simple foreplay.
It angers me to here young women reduce themselves to Lil' Kim and Trina poetry, using descriptives such as "rub your d--- in my t---- and cum in my face" or "my lesbian experience has made me more than a freak". Worse, the word clit being used more that ten times in what would be describe as poetry. Also, are you willing to spit this "erotic" poetry at every venue? I mean is it really you? Are you mimicing someone else's style because you see the repsonse they recieve. Shocking people into a REACTION does not mean you are getting a FAVORABLE RESPONSE. I know, people will read this and read far more into it than what's written on the page. The truth of the matter is when i go to a poetry venue, I don't want to hear the intimate details of your sexual exploits. I don't want to know what type of freak you are. I don't want to know the many ways you know how to make someone "cum." I don't want to see how desperate you are. What I'd like to hear is a poetic description of your fantasies. I'd like to be given a glimpse of your sexual powers and prowess. I'd like for you to make me want you because of your words..... I remember the first time I heard Taalam do Aura Number One or watched Marc Marcel place his chain on the mic and spit his piece... Twain, my gosh the flow and aliteration alone is enough to buy velcro panties as Cousin would say. My brother Langston do one of his many pieces.. I said to myself they know what's up. Not one of these people used vulgarity to make a point. They utilized their vocabulary and their imagination, to entice and enthrall me. And believe me... they make many points while on stage. Now, like (W)RAP we get anyone and everyone spitting pieces for shock value. So, anyone reading help these people out, here are a few definitions:
erotic - 1 : of, devoted to, or tending to arouse sexual love or desire 2 : strongly marked or affected by sexual desire

sensual - 1 : relating to or consisting in the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of appetite : FLESHLY2 : SENSORY

vulgar(ity) - a : lacking in cultivation, perception, or taste : COARSE b : morally crude, undeveloped, or unregenerate : GROSS c : ostentatious or excessive in expenditure or display : PRETENTIOUS5 a : offensive in language : EARTHY b : lewdly or profanely indecent

pornography - 1 : the depiction of erotic behavior (as in pictures or writing) intended to cause sexual excitement2 : material (as books or a photograph) that depicts erotic behavior and is intended to cause sexual excitement3 : the depiction of acts in a sensational manner so as to arouse a quick intense emotional reaction

I recieved a comment from another poet who does a great piece which is just damn funny. Immediately I was reminded of not only her, but Da'Shade's piece regarding STDs which is also humorous. I wanted to include them because I wanted to make sure that the readers knew where I am coming from.