Dylan Garity - Rigged Game

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Dylan Garity, performing at NPS 2013 in Boston, MA.
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Button Poetry is committed to developing a coherent and effective system of production, distribution, promotion and fundraising for spoken word and performance poetry.
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[@horsecrazy2266]

The winners of a rigged game should not get to write the rules

[@TM-hd4ih]

horsecrazy2266 I feel it, im tired of this government and living in a place that wants nothing more that money and power.

[@horsecrazy2266]

Talia Murray Especially with unfair standardized testing

[@TM-hd4ih]

horsecrazy2266 We all have different minds that operated differently so why are we tryin to rate them with the same grade scale?

[@horsecrazy2266]

Talia Murray Yeah. I would be a lot better if it tested things I'll actually need for, ya know, my life and my job

[@horsecrazy2266]

thought If we don't play their game, we stop them. If we protest, we can try to sort out the rules

[@mar-wr4io]

"improving a school by picking its pocket is like tuning a guitar by ripping out its strings" *applaud*

[@claudiaetello]

Jaiden pham

[@JScott-md6dv]

Jaiden Martinez Gotta start the slow clap.

[@warumsiehtmanjetztdenalias]

"these kids are good organs in a sick body"

[@micheleherrera8994]

"the winners of a rigged game should not get to write the rules" that line really hits home.

[@jenniferbentzen160]

Just " wow" ❤

[@erikedmundson7275]

That actually is the definition of a game...someone creates the rules, agrees to play by the same rules, and invites others to play...by the same rules...definitely rigged...rigged towards what, though? What is the intent of "first year, learn the new language"? What might the end result be? By the way, don't worry, we've fixed this...now we have a tracking system where they progress in steps from no English to some, to...and they get assistance on the tests, exceptions, helps, translations...(interesting, it is taking many of our students a lot longer to adjust to English) I was speaking to a friend of mine (immigrant-no English) who remembers being put in a class, sink or swim, to learn English. He had another view: grateful for the immersion experience. (I thus chose to learn a foreign language through the struggle of emersion instead of learning through my native tongue. There is quite a bit of research which says it is more (difficult, sure) effective and quicker - well, the real research of results, not pertaining to feelings. I was speaking to another friend of mine (illegal immigrant - no English) who came to the States for her children. She heard a rumor that we taught resilience and high-expectations and work ethic, and was wanting her boys to face the challenge of "the rigged game." She switched districts from one which tried to "help" by making things easier to one that kind of expected the hard work. What a STRUGGLE!! ... and...They are doing great. Thanks for these ideas and the rhetoric. Well delivered.

[@jadejade8570]

This guy gets it.

[@jadajura9912]

ikr

[@gabrielag6307]

For real, I had to learn English just so I could communicate with my classmates. I forgot Spanish because I had no one to talk to in it. Man the struggle was real.

[@asseater0077]

Damn, this was the best slam poem about education ive ever seen. Fuck the us education system

[@dawns.hunters4702]

eatanentireass RIIIIGHT!!

[@harypotter37]

I started crying before this got half-way through. This poem is so heartwrenchingly true and beautiful. Amazing work.

[@Staylostinstereo]

Yas J Glad I wasn't the only one that teared up! Very moving

[@jbiswasted]

Whats so hard about learning English, isn't that a requirement for citizenship. Africans do it.

[@fastfingerzfb9823]

Did I ask

[@rennytiara356]

"As their lungs fill with smoke telling them, it is their fault they can't find a way out'

[@taylorgonzalez7073]

I come back to this so often my AP Lang teacher showed us this in early 2014 when we got back from winter break and now I’m in my second year of law school and I still think about this often.

[@Jay_Cross]

I don't understand what people are disliking or disagreeing about this video he makes sense and he wasn't rude.

[@enrockburn9400]

Every day when I was five, my older sister would play teacher. Her students were me, my stuffed rabbit and an American girl doll, She’d line us up at the end of the bed and teach us whatever she’d learned in school that day. Now, she teaches ESL at an elementary school in Boston and every week she tells me stories about her students. Ana does not know how to read in Spanish, much less English but she still wants to be a writer when she grows up. Juan chooses to stay inside and study at recess so that one day he’ll be able to teach his own brother. These kids are good organs in a sick body. In 2001, No Child Left Behind gutted bilingual education. Students who have been in the country for one year are now expected to perform at grade level on standardized English tests. My sister is not allowed to instruct them in Spanish. If the kids don’t jump high enough, the school loses money Improving a school by picking its pockets is like tuning a guitar by ripping off the strings. Learning to read in a new language before you can even read in your own is like learning to walk while a pit bull is chasing you. Like learning to sing with the conductor’s fist down your throat This year, for my sister’s birthday, I bought books for her students. A poem on one page in Spanish, the next in English. She is not allowed to help them read the first. Their heritage is a banned book Learning to read in a new language when you can’t even read in your own is like trying to heal a burn victim by drowning them. We are telling these children who have spent their whole lives in the deep end that they’ll learn how to swim if they just float out a little farther. In the 1980s, American slaughterhouses began building corrals in curves, so no animals could see the blood at the end of the track. This is how we kept them moving forward. In 2001, we began building the hallways of our schools in curves. This is how we keep them moving forward. You never learn, you fail the test You never learn you fail the test You never learn, you drop out. I know, I am lucky enough to be one of the winners of this game I was handed a head start and a rulebook in my own tongue but the winners of a rigged game should not get to write the rules. On the television, some senator preaches that throwing money at an “urban school” is like feeding caviar to your dog. They just won’t know how to appreciate it After all, if these parents can’t take care of their own children, why should we? Well tell that to Ana who has my sister translate newsletters aloud to her father because he, too, was never taught how to read Tell that to Juan whose mother and baby sister are still in Guatemala whose father works three jobs My sister tells me school is the most stable place in these kids’ lives. She has been a teacher since she was smaller than they are. but since when does being a teacher mean having to swear not to help? Since when does being a teacher mean having your hands tied as the schoolhouse burns to the ground? We are leading these children along a track built in circles as their lungs fill with smoke telling them it is their fault they can’t find a way out.

[@junissahjean5274]

Thx

[@courtneykraas]

i preach you for doing this

[@DianaPham12]

My parents were immigrants from France and Vietnam, with their common language being French, meaning neither my sister nor I spoke a wick of English when we first went to school. I started school just after no child left behind was passed, and I think I got lucky because we don't have to take standardized test till 2nd or 3rd grade, giving me time to learn. About 6 years ago when I was in 8th grade, a boy who's family had just immigrated from Vietnam right around the time when we had to take the state wide standard test. He told me they were only allowed a pathetic Vietnamese to English dictionary and had to look up every. Single. Word. within a 90 minute time frame and answer all of the questions. Like Dylan Garity said, the winners of a rigged game shouldn't be allowed to write the rules. No child left behind, my ass. Most of them are hanging on by the tips of their fingers. Standardized test are no measure of intelligence or knowledge and should not be used for that purpose. The US school system may not be as bad as it could be, but for a country that prides itself in being progressive and a 'superpower,' one would expect better.

[@Gcat123456789]

I have watched this multiple times and every single rewatch still gives me the chills. This is utterly amazing. You are an inspiration don't ever stop performing.

[@aholt3953]

THIS is how those of us who were randomly born into a privilege we had no choice but to grow up in should be using that privilege. Privilege should be used to help those who weren't as luck in the heartless lottery that if life.

[@RomeLoganMusic]

"...like trying to sing with the conductor's fist jammed down your throat" his imagery is so vivid. Love it!

[@josette7997]

This poem really hits home with me because I came to the US before I could write. I was put in a preschool that had no English speaking teachers available to help me and I was alone. I was ignored and unable to be understood or understand. I would come home angry that the kids here didn't make sense that they didn't know how to talk. This was paired with a feeling of inadequacy that still presents itself when I can't spell a word correctly. I was held back a year because of language complications when native English speakers got praised for almost getting the word right I was handled gingerly. I learned and now I also write poetry but it wasn't without struggle none of my native English speaking friends could comprehend.

[@Cutegirl12316]

wow is all i can say. i love this beyond words.

[@emmar4538]

|-/

[@KarolinaLopez]

|-/

[@rkgk1517]

I saw someone do this poem in their poetry program at the poetry finals of NFA's this year. It was very hard to watch, it was so sad. His frustration looked so genuine. Wonderful poem and wonderful performance I saw...

[@jennameyer3853]

Do you know of a poem i could pair with this for competition?

[@natalieroque6527]

I'm in love with him.

[@lunarlunna3452]

every year, everyday, every second this gets more and more accurate

[@20luzny]

This poem was absolutely perfect. As a student who grew up that way and a teacher who has too many of these students, I cannot thank Dylan enough for bringing this topic to people's attention. Perfectly written and amazingly performed.

[@liloprado46]

I worked as a tutor/translator for ESL school students through my undergrad. This is all too real.

[@DeeAnnUh_]

Even after all this time, still a masterpiece.

[@C4rolSrnit0]

Chiiills... I love Dylan, each one of his poems give me a new different sensation, congratulations for your excellence.

[@simbaryan4144]

I really like Poetry just don't know how to write and its killing me because thoughts roam in my head uncontrollably. Poetry is another outlet other than music for me but I cant write it.

[@Traveler9247]

Learning how to write poetry is just like any other skill: you aren't going to be good at it at first, but it gets better. If you want to be able to write poetry, start by trying, and remember to give yourself permission to write the worst junk that's ever been written. Just write, and remember that anything you write is good. Your goal, for now, is not to write good poetry, it is to write something, and eventually you'll read over something you wrote and be surprised at the quality. Sometimes it's hard to find a topic. Sarah Kay suggested writing lists in her TED talk, and that's helped me a bit. I recommend watching the whole TED talk as well, it was absolutely amazing.

[@simbaryan4144]

Thanks bro. Great motivation. I will take everything you said and just GO FOR IT.

[@christopherwessel4551]

Dylan Garity is my spirit animal.

[@Smacadamia]

I cannot say how much I absolutely love this poem.

[@NervesAFLLC]

Wooow!!! I'm so proud that I'm not the only one who pay attention to this system they call just. Big Ups Dylan Garity

[@stephaniegomeringer4344]

My oh my! I just love Dylan and his words. I can't get enough of them!

[@RecklessLove14]

This poem is ASTOUNDING I'm Speechless!!!!!!

[@limechica]

Amazing. Simply amazing.

[@skhprwdm]

this is truely amazing.made me cry.

[@PacoVodka]

I teared up watching this.

[@abblejuice]

As someone who took ESOL as a child, this is so powerful. I was lucky to have moved from a bilingual Puerto Rico so I had an advantage. Others aren't so lucky and I still have friends with broken english because of this very reason

[@nickboldan7833]

No Child Left Behind only further deteriorated an already fragile public school system. Everyone agrees that every child deserves a good education; the way to get there is what ought to be debated. Should we continue centralizing our education system, which we can see is a failure, or should we begin on a new path of results-driven charter schools and the use of school vouchers to allow parents to choose where they send their kids, thereby increasing competition among schools = higher quality education. I appreciate the poetry from this young man. I just hope he channels that passion into something tangible such as rallying for more sensible policies from our government, because in the end, that is what will get things fixed.

[@LittleErin1989]

On other slam poetry videos, I've seen the complaint "I hate slam because it's MEMEME." This isn't MEMEME at all. Slam is MEMEME, it's from the heart

[@lebonamour]

This poem is about the children, who are innocent and faultless. Amazing job, Dylan.

[@caitlyn7310]

He is incredible

[@snowkkona786]

i love this poem. so much emotion is put into is and experience

[@asdfghjk749]

I also really love this one. I think that a lot of people need to hear this, especially educators

[@eloracsregor123]

this is so perfect. something know one talks about. every line grabs you. its literally perfect.

[@katedamonkey]

this is so powerful, being honest it will only make a real difference if the right people see it and understand his message, I hope they do this should open eyes

[@nowuknowtoo]

I listen to you.So will others. You are gifted in knowing and expression.Thank you for sharing with this intensity, it is courageous. I will craft my own anger about our state of disgrace in this kind of poetry.

[@KatRocksCA]

I can't like this poem enough... Beautiful and heart-wrenching

[@yazudbrito-milian2928]

He is Brilliant. CHILLS.

[@MeiTenshiDarkAngel]

This gave me chills, so good!

[@mc93433]

So well said. I teach at a school where 80% are poor and 90 are ESL. You hit the nail on the head.

[@beepboop449]

he has now made me cry twice

[@maddymat4695]

Holy shit, this explains my hole education. Fuck, this just fucked me up

[@maxwell10206]

whole*

[@DanelisAnesti]

maxwell10206 **Hoewle

[@toxic_teaaa7810]

Anesti Danelis *arse

[@TheGoat-dp5xy]

We can tell lol. "Hole"

[@snaprajan]

Dylan Garity is seriously so talented. I am so excited every time I see his poetry in my feed. I even have one of his lines in my description on tumblr.

[@bubblez122890]

As an educator for Migrant Children, I fell in love with this poem because it is so true! I see this every single day.

[@0BreeAmy0]

my esl teacher spoke spanish, but she refused to tell me what an inglish word meant in spanish, she had to explain it to me in english whic was very confusing, my math teacher once yelled at me cause i was failing her class and told me that i didnt have to know inglish to do math, but how can i do math when i coulnet understand what she was explaining? also in esl and in school in general they wouldnt let me and my friend who was also learning english speak in spanish. so we just sat therre the whole time without saying nothing. this poem speaks to me in many ways :)

[@ciannsannicolas3758]

What a beautiful poem. As a future teacher, this hit home with me.

[@mysteriouspineapple3462]

ahh I had chills throughout the whole thing ..

[@ALLhailBEN7]

The passion behind this is just incredible

[@aplacewithnoname5512]

This revved me up because I myself hate how the education system is! Way to go, Dylan and his sister as well!

[@LovelyGirlIroh]

I relate so much I was in ELL (english language learning) and it just gives me skills.

[@LovelyGirlIroh]

*chills

[@kayleighc7082]

I just got chills!

[@Thedoctorisin1000]

I just got chills

[@tmgrogue1217]

I love poetry. he is so right with the beginning

[@PeachyRosesxc]

I love how I get goosebumps from 95% of these videos.

[@Forky4ever]

This is amazing! I can totally relate, having to take those ESL classes too.

[@step30dub]

my favorite poem so far

[@rachelguez]

This brought tears to my eyes and chills all over me, so good

[@carmenlopez9136]

My native language is Spanish, but I was lucky enough to learn english before kindergarten, and was taken out of the ELA Testing in 4th grade (English language arts testing, to know if I was proficient in English)

[@shelbell7327]

Dylan, you rock! So does your sister!

[@MarciaNunes1961]

Inspirational ! Awesome.. touching and oh so true ! Thank YOU Dylan .. you ROCK !

[@hollymonkley468]

Yes yes yes I live u right now I get so many sideways looks when I try and stand up for people like them and it's really awesome to finally see that someone like me is on the same page as I

[@AlexyssLinn]

I have chills all over, this is so powerful.

[@Kali07ish]

This deserved a lot more views then this. He's speaking the truth!

[@TheRogueWildChild]

Many with difficulties are left behind. Many who could have been geniuses get bored cause trouble, become bullies, or drop out to try being an adult before they are ready because they are not learning anything in school while being held back. It is a terrible system in need of a major reform.

[@TuyenTran0]

this really hits home and this dude is amazing

[@CrimeJunkie75]

I got goose bumps

[@lydiavillalba4641]

I got goosebumps listening to this! Awesome

[@mads3732]

Goosebumps.

[@harbivore]

So awesome.

[@thepopo5818]

Excellent!!!!!!

[@daisytorres3563]

Amazing, just simply amazing!!

[@Archetrixxx]

Amazing poem

[@anjaleebehti4755]

i am blown away. so powerful

[@carmensierra3935]

wonderful! as a teacher this is so true great talk

[@VonchkynProduction]

lots of passion, this one

[@irisgrey7484]

this was the most insane thing. goosebumps EVERYWHERE.

[@kyrakay623]

this is my favorite slam poem

[@editscifi]

I was a student in school with a learning disability before "no child left behind." We were treated like we were too stupid to do the work asked of us. The laws were supposed to help make it possible for children like I was to get the help needed to do the best we could. It was never meant to stop children from learning in their own language. This was never meant, and I'm sorry for those children who its hurt.

[@dawns.hunters4702]

i love this slam poem!!! one of the best

[@phoebeats]

I had to pause the video for a second I was starting to cry oml this video hit me so deep because I'm still a student rn and I won't be out of the system for a couple more yrs

[@hayleykaylyn229]

I'm crying

[@heyitsphilosophie]

I cried. This is so great.

[@ashtonhornsby8950]

That gave me chills

[@OscarVazquez-zb4yy]

GRACIAS!

[@addventures]

so good

[@francismccollister9687]

I like this poem. Great job. I grew up with both English and Spanish. My mom is from Guatemala. So I can relate to some things..

[@HarrisetBella]

than simply make them billingual. It allows them to be proud of their heritage and who they are and become an integral part of their new home. Being proud and having self worth is the first step in respecting others. What a concept...I know this will freak some people out...what a great opportunity for Bill and Susan Smith to learn a new language, what a concept!

[@Cobra2323]

Reminds me of how the US college system is today. Great poem.

[@zani3306]

Man fuck this got me over here in tears like who do you think you are speaking truths in such a powerful way it makes me cry.

[@DarthKitsune]

Dylan Garity is the poet of my soul!

[@Kkuem29]

It is so relatable..... And day by day is more accurate

[@ButtonPoetry]

Right? Dylan sure does a good job with this one.

[@Kkuem29]

Offcourse and this poem is included in our syllabus for study! It is brilliant

[@kinglester1639]

this was incredible.

[@TheRogueWildChild]

It is poetry. Providing one person's view on an experience to draw out an emotive response in others. It is a good piece of work, and the images hit home for a wide audience. Also he makes a good point. Children need assistance. He only addresses language barriers, but what about those with bi-polar disorder, aspergers, ADHD, severe autism, learning disabilities, or even geniuses. They are all lost to the system.